Auxiliation and typological shift
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Daniel J. Hintz
Abstract
This paper documents the formation of auxiliary verbs and suffixes in Quechua and examines how processes of language evolution and contact introduce new aspectual contrasts expressed through verbal periphrases. Quechuan languages provide an excellent opportunity to examine the interaction of internal and external motivations for change because the auxiliation process suggests sequences of regular developments and also provides evidence for changes induced by contact with Spanish. The creation of numerous auxiliaries, coupled with stimulation of their productivity, enlarges the role for grammatical expression through periphrasis. Additionally, the contact-induced obstruction of verbal suffix formation weakens the sustainability of polysynthesis via renewal. Although the initial effects are minor, these contact phenomena initiate a shift toward an increasingly analytic, less polysynthetic morphology.
Abstract
This paper documents the formation of auxiliary verbs and suffixes in Quechua and examines how processes of language evolution and contact introduce new aspectual contrasts expressed through verbal periphrases. Quechuan languages provide an excellent opportunity to examine the interaction of internal and external motivations for change because the auxiliation process suggests sequences of regular developments and also provides evidence for changes induced by contact with Spanish. The creation of numerous auxiliaries, coupled with stimulation of their productivity, enlarges the role for grammatical expression through periphrasis. Additionally, the contact-induced obstruction of verbal suffix formation weakens the sustainability of polysynthesis via renewal. Although the initial effects are minor, these contact phenomena initiate a shift toward an increasingly analytic, less polysynthetic morphology.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- Language contact and change in the Americas 1
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Part I North America: California
- Yuki, Pomoan, Wintun, and Athabaskan 17
- The role of passives in the formation of hierarchical systems in Northern California 33
- Assessing the effects of language contact on Northeastern Pomo 67
- Synchronic and diachronic accounts of phonological features in Central Chumash languages 91
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Part II North America: Athabaskan, Iroquoian, and Uto-Aztecan
- Contact and semantic shift in extreme language endangerment 107
- “Excorporation” in a Dene (Athabaskan) language 139
- Contact and change in Oneida 167
- Huron/Wendat interactions with the Seneca language 189
- The usual suspects 219
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Part III Northern Mexico, Mesoamerica, and South America
- Language documentation and historical linguistics 249
- The Jakaltek Popti’ noun classifier system 273
- Language contact and word structure 297
- Auxiliation and typological shift 315
- Discourse pattern replication in South Conchucos Quechua and Andean Spanish 339
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Part IV The Americas and beyond
- Measuring language typicality, with special reference to the Americas 365
- Words for ‘dog’ as a diagnostic of language contact in the Americas 385
- Index 411
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- Language contact and change in the Americas 1
-
Part I North America: California
- Yuki, Pomoan, Wintun, and Athabaskan 17
- The role of passives in the formation of hierarchical systems in Northern California 33
- Assessing the effects of language contact on Northeastern Pomo 67
- Synchronic and diachronic accounts of phonological features in Central Chumash languages 91
-
Part II North America: Athabaskan, Iroquoian, and Uto-Aztecan
- Contact and semantic shift in extreme language endangerment 107
- “Excorporation” in a Dene (Athabaskan) language 139
- Contact and change in Oneida 167
- Huron/Wendat interactions with the Seneca language 189
- The usual suspects 219
-
Part III Northern Mexico, Mesoamerica, and South America
- Language documentation and historical linguistics 249
- The Jakaltek Popti’ noun classifier system 273
- Language contact and word structure 297
- Auxiliation and typological shift 315
- Discourse pattern replication in South Conchucos Quechua and Andean Spanish 339
-
Part IV The Americas and beyond
- Measuring language typicality, with special reference to the Americas 365
- Words for ‘dog’ as a diagnostic of language contact in the Americas 385
- Index 411
