Rethinking narrative tenses based on data from Nalu (Atlantic) and Yeyi (Bantu)
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Frank Seidel
Abstract
This paper looks at how the forms used to indicate past events interact to create a coherent narrative in Yeyi (Bantu) and Nalu (Atlantic). The examination focuses on how past narrative spaces are first constructed and then contextualized (elaborated on) through a stage-setting past form that is followed by one or two different narrative forms. The existence of not one, but two specialized narrative forms in these languages casts doubt on the notion that the indication of sequentiality constitutes their central function. The different ways of construction and contextualization are examined using the concepts of detachment and dimensionalization.
Abstract
This paper looks at how the forms used to indicate past events interact to create a coherent narrative in Yeyi (Bantu) and Nalu (Atlantic). The examination focuses on how past narrative spaces are first constructed and then contextualized (elaborated on) through a stage-setting past form that is followed by one or two different narrative forms. The existence of not one, but two specialized narrative forms in these languages casts doubt on the notion that the indication of sequentiality constitutes their central function. The different ways of construction and contextualization are examined using the concepts of detachment and dimensionalization.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Discourse structuring and typology 1
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Nilo-Saharan
- Aspect and thematic clause combining in Maa (Nilotic) 23
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Isolate
- Main event line structure and aspect in Sandawe narratives 53
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Afro-Asiatic
- The functions of Non-Final verbs and their aspectual categories in Northern Mao (Omotic) narrative 81
- Aspect-Mood and discourse in Kabyle (Berber) spoken narratives 117
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Niger-Congo
- The roles of Dissociative and (Non-)Completive morphology in structuring Totela (Bantu) narratives 145
- Narrative uses of the U̱t-Ma'in (Kainji) Bare Verb form 219
- Rethinking narrative tenses based on data from Nalu (Atlantic) and Yeyi (Bantu) 177
- The Factative and the Perfective-Inchoative in Cuurammã (Turka, Gur) 249
- Aspectual and storyline tension in Emai’s (Edoid) narrative template 287
- Topic Index 315
- Language Index 321
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Discourse structuring and typology 1
-
Nilo-Saharan
- Aspect and thematic clause combining in Maa (Nilotic) 23
-
Isolate
- Main event line structure and aspect in Sandawe narratives 53
-
Afro-Asiatic
- The functions of Non-Final verbs and their aspectual categories in Northern Mao (Omotic) narrative 81
- Aspect-Mood and discourse in Kabyle (Berber) spoken narratives 117
-
Niger-Congo
- The roles of Dissociative and (Non-)Completive morphology in structuring Totela (Bantu) narratives 145
- Narrative uses of the U̱t-Ma'in (Kainji) Bare Verb form 219
- Rethinking narrative tenses based on data from Nalu (Atlantic) and Yeyi (Bantu) 177
- The Factative and the Perfective-Inchoative in Cuurammã (Turka, Gur) 249
- Aspectual and storyline tension in Emai’s (Edoid) narrative template 287
- Topic Index 315
- Language Index 321
