From demonstrative to relative marker to clause linker
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Zarina Estrada-Fernández
Abstract
Pima Bajo a Uto-Aztecan language spoken in Northwestern Mexico, constructs relative clauses by means of a verbal suffix which has diachronically emerged from an stative/perfective suffix and a demonstrative; such a nominalizing strategy is quite distinct from those observed in others Uto-Aztecan languages from the same area. Furthermore relative clauses are only possible for subject and object; the latter shows a dependent subject encoded via an object/possessive pronoun, a characteristic feature observed also in verbal complements of the verb ‘to want’ as well as in some adverbial clauses. Functional equivalent constructions of oblique relative clauses show the relative suffix functioning as a clausal connective, which announces a distinct pathway of grammaticalization. Keywords: Grammaticalization; relative clauses; clause linker; Pima Bajo
Abstract
Pima Bajo a Uto-Aztecan language spoken in Northwestern Mexico, constructs relative clauses by means of a verbal suffix which has diachronically emerged from an stative/perfective suffix and a demonstrative; such a nominalizing strategy is quite distinct from those observed in others Uto-Aztecan languages from the same area. Furthermore relative clauses are only possible for subject and object; the latter shows a dependent subject encoded via an object/possessive pronoun, a characteristic feature observed also in verbal complements of the verb ‘to want’ as well as in some adverbial clauses. Functional equivalent constructions of oblique relative clauses show the relative suffix functioning as a clausal connective, which announces a distinct pathway of grammaticalization. Keywords: Grammaticalization; relative clauses; clause linker; Pima Bajo
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- map vii
- Introduction ix
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Part I. Diachrony, typology, and theory
- Toward a diachronic typology of relative clause 3
- The evolution of language and elaborateness of grammar 27
- Some issues in the linking between syntax and semantics in relative clauses 47
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Part II. Uto-Aztecan
- Relative clauses and nominalizations in Yaqui 67
- On relative clauses and related constructions in Yaqui 97
- From demonstrative to relative marker to clause linker 127
- Functional underpinnings of diachrony in relative clause formation 147
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Part III. Elsewhere in the Americas
- Clauses as noun modifiers in Toba (Guaycuruan) 173
- Between headed and headless relative clauses 191
- Relative clauses in Seri 213
- Relative clauses in Gavião of Rondônia 243
- Relative clauses in Yucatec Maya 253
- Questionable relatives 269
- Language and language family index 301
- Name index 303
- Subject index 305
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- map vii
- Introduction ix
-
Part I. Diachrony, typology, and theory
- Toward a diachronic typology of relative clause 3
- The evolution of language and elaborateness of grammar 27
- Some issues in the linking between syntax and semantics in relative clauses 47
-
Part II. Uto-Aztecan
- Relative clauses and nominalizations in Yaqui 67
- On relative clauses and related constructions in Yaqui 97
- From demonstrative to relative marker to clause linker 127
- Functional underpinnings of diachrony in relative clause formation 147
-
Part III. Elsewhere in the Americas
- Clauses as noun modifiers in Toba (Guaycuruan) 173
- Between headed and headless relative clauses 191
- Relative clauses in Seri 213
- Relative clauses in Gavião of Rondônia 243
- Relative clauses in Yucatec Maya 253
- Questionable relatives 269
- Language and language family index 301
- Name index 303
- Subject index 305
