Relative clauses in Yucatec Maya
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Rodrigo Gutièrrez-Bravo
Abstract
This paper deals with a number of relative constructions in Yucatec Maya (the Mayan language of the Yucatan Peninsula) where no overt nominal head is observed. In these constructions however, several elements are observed in the domain of the relative clause, such as determiners and quantifiers. The paper addresses the question of whether these elements should be analyzed as light heads in the sense of Citko (2004). Evidence is presented to argue that this is not the case. Instead, the evidence indicates that the relatives under consideration do have a nominal head, albeit one that is phonetically null. This null head, however, can still be modified by the ordinary nominal modifiers of the language, including determiners, quantifiers and relative clauses. Keywords: Yucatec Maya; relative clauses; null heads; noun phrase
Abstract
This paper deals with a number of relative constructions in Yucatec Maya (the Mayan language of the Yucatan Peninsula) where no overt nominal head is observed. In these constructions however, several elements are observed in the domain of the relative clause, such as determiners and quantifiers. The paper addresses the question of whether these elements should be analyzed as light heads in the sense of Citko (2004). Evidence is presented to argue that this is not the case. Instead, the evidence indicates that the relatives under consideration do have a nominal head, albeit one that is phonetically null. This null head, however, can still be modified by the ordinary nominal modifiers of the language, including determiners, quantifiers and relative clauses. Keywords: Yucatec Maya; relative clauses; null heads; noun phrase
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
