Clauses as noun modifiers in Toba (Guaycuruan)
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María Belén Carpio
Abstract
In this paper we analyze relative clauses and noun complements in a corpus of narrative texts in Toba. Three different coding devices are identified, described and explained. One is specific to relative clauses and the other two introduce noun complements as well. The semantic condition on relative clauses, i.e. the co-reference between the head noun and the modifying clause, has been central to distinguish them from noun complements. Regarding relative clauses, we show that the syntactic function of the head noun within the relative clause is inferred by subtraction of the missing argument in the relative clause and does not condition the use of the different relativizers. It is the type of information encoded in the relative clauses that has proved to be relevant in the selection of the subordinators. Besides, we describe the synchronic polyfunctionality of the subordinators. Keywords: Relative clauses, noun complements, demonstratives, Toba
Abstract
In this paper we analyze relative clauses and noun complements in a corpus of narrative texts in Toba. Three different coding devices are identified, described and explained. One is specific to relative clauses and the other two introduce noun complements as well. The semantic condition on relative clauses, i.e. the co-reference between the head noun and the modifying clause, has been central to distinguish them from noun complements. Regarding relative clauses, we show that the syntactic function of the head noun within the relative clause is inferred by subtraction of the missing argument in the relative clause and does not condition the use of the different relativizers. It is the type of information encoded in the relative clauses that has proved to be relevant in the selection of the subordinators. Besides, we describe the synchronic polyfunctionality of the subordinators. Keywords: Relative clauses, noun complements, demonstratives, Toba
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
