Classroom:NTNU, LING 1113 (2009) - Norwegian Verbs of Motion
In this wiki we define Motion Verbs as the verbs - apearing alone or in a complex - as verbs denoting movement. This might be movement from A to B, that is locomotion, or it might be movement inside the same scene, that is single motion. As mentioned above, some motion verbs might be part of a complex and thus denoting the movement in cooperation with a preposition.
Some motion verbs indicate that a path -abstract or concrete- is covered when the action denoted by the verb is carried out. Some prototypes of motion verbs implying a path are 'go' and 'run'. Note that the path is not necessarily explicitly mentioned in the predication sentence indicating that a path is covered; the path is often implied and understood as being present by virtue of the speaker's and hearer's knowledge of the concept denoted by the respective verb.
It might also be the case that there is a goal of the movement denoted by the verb. Again, this goal might not be explicitly uttered; the presence of a goal is understood as implied in the concept expressed by the verb.
To see more on motion in general, please see the chapter on motion.
"Gå" encodes the classical movement of a human figure, by the movement of legs. This does not necessarily encode a path, and is thus a single motion. However, the verb is often used to encode simply path, and not movement of feet.
The synonymous motion verbs "springe" and "løpe" encode motion by the use of feet, where the feet jump up and down from the ground, one foot at the time, in rapid succession. This can be a single motion, but usually encodes a path. Dra/fare
"Dra" and "Fare" are synonymous motion verbs that encode motion with a path moving the figure away from the ground.
This verb usually encodes movement away from a source, often only for a short period of time or swiftly
Encodes movement away from a source, either quickly or from a place from which movement is restricted, or both. It almost always implies the presence of some sentient entity that would try to hinder the theme's movement.
"Komme" is a motion verb which encodes motion of the theme towards the goal.
"Svømme" encodes motion through a liquid ground, and that the theme is completely or almost completely submerged in the liquid through which the movement takes place.
Fly Fly encodes motion through the ground air, without contact with the earth, usually by aerodynamic means.
"Kjøre" encodes motion with vehicular conveyance.
"Sykle" encodes motion by use of bicycle as medium of conveyance.
Ramle encodes non-voluntary motion through the ground air.
The motion verb falle encodes involuntary motion downwards through the ground air.
Encodes gradual downwards uncontrolled movement through a ground
Encodes gradually upwards movement.