1. Kaleidoscopic variations on grammatical themes: Relative clauses in Bantoid languages of Cameroon
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Jeff Good
Abstract
The diversity of relative clause structures found in Bantoid languages of Cameroon is quite surprising given how closely related these languages are to each other and the fact that they are in relatively close contact. Important parameters of variation are: (i) whether or not the head of the relative clause is coded as being modified, (ii) which arguments can be relativized in a given relative clause construction, (iii) the way that the “gap” in the relative clause is encoded, and (iv) similarities and dissimilarities holding between restrictive relative clauses and functionally related constructions (e.g., non-restrictive relative clauses, adverbial subordinate clauses, and clefts). Areas where further research would seem likely to yield interesting results include detailed consideration of the historical source of relative clause markers, the distribution and nature of resumptive pronouns, and restrictions on the verb forms that head relative clauses.
Abstract
The diversity of relative clause structures found in Bantoid languages of Cameroon is quite surprising given how closely related these languages are to each other and the fact that they are in relatively close contact. Important parameters of variation are: (i) whether or not the head of the relative clause is coded as being modified, (ii) which arguments can be relativized in a given relative clause construction, (iii) the way that the “gap” in the relative clause is encoded, and (iv) similarities and dissimilarities holding between restrictive relative clauses and functionally related constructions (e.g., non-restrictive relative clauses, adverbial subordinate clauses, and clefts). Areas where further research would seem likely to yield interesting results include detailed consideration of the historical source of relative clause markers, the distribution and nature of resumptive pronouns, and restrictions on the verb forms that head relative clauses.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Preface v
- Contents ix
- Abbreviations xi
- 1. Kaleidoscopic variations on grammatical themes: Relative clauses in Bantoid languages of Cameroon 1
- 2. Accessibility and demonstrative operators in Basaá relative clauses 17
- 3. The augment as a construct form marker in Eton relative clause constructions 47
- 4. Relative clauses and relativization processes in Nugunu 67
- 5. Kenyang relative clauses 89
- 6. Relative clause in (Western) Ejagham 119
- 7. A prolegomenon to the syntax of the relative clause in the Eastern Grassfields Bantu borderland 145
- 8. Relative clause constructions in two Yemne-Kimbi languages 169
- 9. Relative clauses in Vute grammar and discourse 209
- 10. Relative clauses in Wawa 233
- 11. Conclusion 261
- References 267
- Index 277
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Preface v
- Contents ix
- Abbreviations xi
- 1. Kaleidoscopic variations on grammatical themes: Relative clauses in Bantoid languages of Cameroon 1
- 2. Accessibility and demonstrative operators in Basaá relative clauses 17
- 3. The augment as a construct form marker in Eton relative clause constructions 47
- 4. Relative clauses and relativization processes in Nugunu 67
- 5. Kenyang relative clauses 89
- 6. Relative clause in (Western) Ejagham 119
- 7. A prolegomenon to the syntax of the relative clause in the Eastern Grassfields Bantu borderland 145
- 8. Relative clause constructions in two Yemne-Kimbi languages 169
- 9. Relative clauses in Vute grammar and discourse 209
- 10. Relative clauses in Wawa 233
- 11. Conclusion 261
- References 267
- Index 277
