Liminal pronoun systems
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Ilana Mushin
Abstract
Pronoun systems are often described as a single linguistic category consisting of a paradigm of forms that serve as referential indices, or as “dual” systems consisting of more than one paradigm. In dual systems, a paradigm of “bound” pronouns serves the basic referential functions usually for core grammatical functions, with a paradigm of free pronouns used in contexts of emphasis or contrast, and in oblique grammatical roles (Bresnan 2001; Mushin & Simpson 2008). The same kinds of pragmatic splits can be systematically signalled in single pronoun system for example by means of prosody. Bresnan (2001: 4) claims that a system is only dual when there is a divergence in both form and syntactic distribution. In this chapter I examine the usefulness of this claim in defining pronoun systems as dual (or not dual) using evidence from Garrwa (Northern Australia). Here I argue that Garrwa pronouns function as a liminal system, neither single nor dual. This analysis raises questions about the degree to which categorical distinctions can be made in language description. I also consider implications this has for understanding the typology of pronouns more generally.
Abstract
Pronoun systems are often described as a single linguistic category consisting of a paradigm of forms that serve as referential indices, or as “dual” systems consisting of more than one paradigm. In dual systems, a paradigm of “bound” pronouns serves the basic referential functions usually for core grammatical functions, with a paradigm of free pronouns used in contexts of emphasis or contrast, and in oblique grammatical roles (Bresnan 2001; Mushin & Simpson 2008). The same kinds of pragmatic splits can be systematically signalled in single pronoun system for example by means of prosody. Bresnan (2001: 4) claims that a system is only dual when there is a divergence in both form and syntactic distribution. In this chapter I examine the usefulness of this claim in defining pronoun systems as dual (or not dual) using evidence from Garrwa (Northern Australia). Here I argue that Garrwa pronouns function as a liminal system, neither single nor dual. This analysis raises questions about the degree to which categorical distinctions can be made in language description. I also consider implications this has for understanding the typology of pronouns more generally.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Map of Australian languages refferred to in this book vii
- List of contributors xi
- Editors’ introduction 1
- Bibliography of Mary Laughren 15
- Evaluating the Bilingual Education Program in Warlpiri schools 25
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Part 1. Phonology
- Phonological aspects of Arandic baby talk 49
- Prestopping of nasals and laterals is only partly parallel 81
-
Part 2. Morphology
- Liminal pronoun systems 99
- Verbs as spatial deixis markers in Jingulu 123
- The reconstruction of inflectional classes in morphology 153
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Part 3. Syntax
- Marking Definiteness or Specificity, not necessarily both 193
- Theory and experiment in parametric minimalism 217
- Serial verbs in Wambaya 263
- Nominals as adjuncts or arguments 283
-
Part 4. Semantics
- The case of the invisible postman 319
- Manner and result 337
-
Part 5. Anthropological Linguistics
- Shifting relations 361
- Language index 383
- Subject index 385
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Map of Australian languages refferred to in this book vii
- List of contributors xi
- Editors’ introduction 1
- Bibliography of Mary Laughren 15
- Evaluating the Bilingual Education Program in Warlpiri schools 25
-
Part 1. Phonology
- Phonological aspects of Arandic baby talk 49
- Prestopping of nasals and laterals is only partly parallel 81
-
Part 2. Morphology
- Liminal pronoun systems 99
- Verbs as spatial deixis markers in Jingulu 123
- The reconstruction of inflectional classes in morphology 153
-
Part 3. Syntax
- Marking Definiteness or Specificity, not necessarily both 193
- Theory and experiment in parametric minimalism 217
- Serial verbs in Wambaya 263
- Nominals as adjuncts or arguments 283
-
Part 4. Semantics
- The case of the invisible postman 319
- Manner and result 337
-
Part 5. Anthropological Linguistics
- Shifting relations 361
- Language index 383
- Subject index 385
