7. A prolegomenon to the syntax of the relative clause in the Eastern Grassfields Bantu borderland
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Pius N. Tamanji
Abstract
In this chapter, we examine the similarities in the morpho-syntactic and prosodic properties of relative clauses in two Eastern Grassfields Bantu languages, Bafut and Medumba, showing that every argument position in them is relativizeable. We discuss strategies of relative clause formation, showing that both Bafut (in the Ngemba sub-group) and Medumba (in the Nun sub-group), employ a relative determiner in agreement with the relativized antecedent, although Bafut, in addition, also makes use of the regular (relative) complementizer either in alternation or collocation with the relative determiner. It is shown that the two languages exhibit other striking similarities with respect to the syntax and prosody of the relative clause. Specifically, we discuss the occurrence, in both languages, of subject markers after (relativized) lexical subjects, phonetic breaks between overt relative markers/complementizers and overt subjects, resumptive pronouns in every relativized position, and a relative definiteness marker at the end of the matrix relative clause. Finally, we look at the possibility of A-bar movement within the relative clause of both languages, showing that empirical generalisations from the distribution of idiom chunks, binding, and reconstruction effects support a movement analysis for relative clause constructions in Nun and Ngemba languages.
Abstract
In this chapter, we examine the similarities in the morpho-syntactic and prosodic properties of relative clauses in two Eastern Grassfields Bantu languages, Bafut and Medumba, showing that every argument position in them is relativizeable. We discuss strategies of relative clause formation, showing that both Bafut (in the Ngemba sub-group) and Medumba (in the Nun sub-group), employ a relative determiner in agreement with the relativized antecedent, although Bafut, in addition, also makes use of the regular (relative) complementizer either in alternation or collocation with the relative determiner. It is shown that the two languages exhibit other striking similarities with respect to the syntax and prosody of the relative clause. Specifically, we discuss the occurrence, in both languages, of subject markers after (relativized) lexical subjects, phonetic breaks between overt relative markers/complementizers and overt subjects, resumptive pronouns in every relativized position, and a relative definiteness marker at the end of the matrix relative clause. Finally, we look at the possibility of A-bar movement within the relative clause of both languages, showing that empirical generalisations from the distribution of idiom chunks, binding, and reconstruction effects support a movement analysis for relative clause constructions in Nun and Ngemba languages.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Preface v
- Contents ix
- Abbreviations xi
- 1. Kaleidoscopic variations on grammatical themes: Relative clauses in Bantoid languages of Cameroon 1
- 2. Accessibility and demonstrative operators in Basaá relative clauses 17
- 3. The augment as a construct form marker in Eton relative clause constructions 47
- 4. Relative clauses and relativization processes in Nugunu 67
- 5. Kenyang relative clauses 89
- 6. Relative clause in (Western) Ejagham 119
- 7. A prolegomenon to the syntax of the relative clause in the Eastern Grassfields Bantu borderland 145
- 8. Relative clause constructions in two Yemne-Kimbi languages 169
- 9. Relative clauses in Vute grammar and discourse 209
- 10. Relative clauses in Wawa 233
- 11. Conclusion 261
- References 267
- Index 277
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Preface v
- Contents ix
- Abbreviations xi
- 1. Kaleidoscopic variations on grammatical themes: Relative clauses in Bantoid languages of Cameroon 1
- 2. Accessibility and demonstrative operators in Basaá relative clauses 17
- 3. The augment as a construct form marker in Eton relative clause constructions 47
- 4. Relative clauses and relativization processes in Nugunu 67
- 5. Kenyang relative clauses 89
- 6. Relative clause in (Western) Ejagham 119
- 7. A prolegomenon to the syntax of the relative clause in the Eastern Grassfields Bantu borderland 145
- 8. Relative clause constructions in two Yemne-Kimbi languages 169
- 9. Relative clauses in Vute grammar and discourse 209
- 10. Relative clauses in Wawa 233
- 11. Conclusion 261
- References 267
- Index 277
