4. Relative clauses and relativization processes in Nugunu
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Théophile Ambadiang
Abstract
This chapter aims at describing and discussing the relative clauses and relativization processes typical of Nugunu, a Bantu language (A62) spoken in the Centre Region of Cameroon. After a brief presentation of Nugunu, the structures and functions involved in the formation of the different kinds of relative clause found in the language are examined. Our analysis suggests that whereas none of the elements and processes involved in relativization is either exclusive to relative clauses or sufficient for relativization to occur in the language, some of them are involved conjointly in the formation of a given relative clause. Lastly, it is noted that restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses pattern differently regarding intonation, though a more detailed study of prosody may improve our understanding not only of relative clauses, but also of other constructions which subsume processes, such as focus, which seem to be closely related to relativization.
Abstract
This chapter aims at describing and discussing the relative clauses and relativization processes typical of Nugunu, a Bantu language (A62) spoken in the Centre Region of Cameroon. After a brief presentation of Nugunu, the structures and functions involved in the formation of the different kinds of relative clause found in the language are examined. Our analysis suggests that whereas none of the elements and processes involved in relativization is either exclusive to relative clauses or sufficient for relativization to occur in the language, some of them are involved conjointly in the formation of a given relative clause. Lastly, it is noted that restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses pattern differently regarding intonation, though a more detailed study of prosody may improve our understanding not only of relative clauses, but also of other constructions which subsume processes, such as focus, which seem to be closely related to relativization.
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
