The functions of - an and = ay in Kavalan
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Fuhui Hsieh
Abstract
This paper reassesses the functions of -an and =ay constructions in Kavalan, a highly endangered Formosan language spoken in eastern Taiwan. The two types of constructions have previously been identified as nominalization and relativization constructions. In the present analysis, Croft’s theory of conceptual space for parts of speech is used to show that both -an and =ay in Kavalan have a wider range of distribution and functions than has been identified in earlier studies. In spite of differences in morphology, -an and =ay share something in common with regard to their functions and syntactic behavior. In other words, they are not two distinct operations at the syntactic level, nor do they display single, clear-cut categorical differences in terms of semantics and pragmatics.
Abstract
This paper reassesses the functions of -an and =ay constructions in Kavalan, a highly endangered Formosan language spoken in eastern Taiwan. The two types of constructions have previously been identified as nominalization and relativization constructions. In the present analysis, Croft’s theory of conceptual space for parts of speech is used to show that both -an and =ay in Kavalan have a wider range of distribution and functions than has been identified in earlier studies. In spite of differences in morphology, -an and =ay share something in common with regard to their functions and syntactic behavior. In other words, they are not two distinct operations at the syntactic level, nor do they display single, clear-cut categorical differences in terms of semantics and pragmatics.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface xi
- Acknowledgment to reviewers xv
- List of contributors xvii
- Introduction 1
- From light noun to nominalizer and more 61
- On the polyfunctionality and grammaticalization of the morpheme kai in the Chaozhou dialect 109
- The Cantonese ge3 125
- On gerundive nominalization in Mandarin and Cantonese 147
- Nominalization in Tibeto-Burman languages of the Himalayan area 163
- Aspects of the historical development of nominalizers in the Tamangic languages 195
- Innovation in nominalization in Magar 215
- Nominalization and nominalization-based constructions in Galo 255
- Nominalization in Numhpuk Singpho 289
- Nominalization in Nuosu Yi 313
- Finite structures from clausal nominalization in Tibeto-Burman 343
- Linker, relativizer, nominalizer, tense-particle 363
- Nominalization and stance marking in Korean 393
- A case of non-derived stand-alone nominalization 423
- Nominalization in Okinawan 445
- Versatility of nominalizations 473
- The functions of - an and = ay in Kavalan 499
- Clausal nominalization in Budai Rukai 523
- Nominalization in Saisiyat 561
- Rise and fall of referentiality 589
- Referential and non-referential uses of nominalization constructions in Malay 627
- Expressing exclamatives in Malagasy 659
- Nominalizations in Toqabaqita and closely related languages 685
- Exclamatives and temporal nominalizations in Austronesian 721
- Discourse-structuring functions of Abui demonstratives 757
- Index 789
- Language index 795
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface xi
- Acknowledgment to reviewers xv
- List of contributors xvii
- Introduction 1
- From light noun to nominalizer and more 61
- On the polyfunctionality and grammaticalization of the morpheme kai in the Chaozhou dialect 109
- The Cantonese ge3 125
- On gerundive nominalization in Mandarin and Cantonese 147
- Nominalization in Tibeto-Burman languages of the Himalayan area 163
- Aspects of the historical development of nominalizers in the Tamangic languages 195
- Innovation in nominalization in Magar 215
- Nominalization and nominalization-based constructions in Galo 255
- Nominalization in Numhpuk Singpho 289
- Nominalization in Nuosu Yi 313
- Finite structures from clausal nominalization in Tibeto-Burman 343
- Linker, relativizer, nominalizer, tense-particle 363
- Nominalization and stance marking in Korean 393
- A case of non-derived stand-alone nominalization 423
- Nominalization in Okinawan 445
- Versatility of nominalizations 473
- The functions of - an and = ay in Kavalan 499
- Clausal nominalization in Budai Rukai 523
- Nominalization in Saisiyat 561
- Rise and fall of referentiality 589
- Referential and non-referential uses of nominalization constructions in Malay 627
- Expressing exclamatives in Malagasy 659
- Nominalizations in Toqabaqita and closely related languages 685
- Exclamatives and temporal nominalizations in Austronesian 721
- Discourse-structuring functions of Abui demonstratives 757
- Index 789
- Language index 795
