5. Kenyang relative clauses
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Florence A. E. Tabe
Abstract
In Kenyang (a Niger-Congo language spoken in Cameroon), relative clauses can be realized structurally or phonologically. Structurally, the unmarked relative clause position is DP REL. The reversed order REL DP is derived by focalization. The relative morphemes nɛ̀ and bɛ́ modify DPs. The former is used to relativize DPs in finite clauses while the latter relativizes DPs in infinitival clauses. In finite clauses, the relative morpheme has the structure V-CV or V-CV-CV depending on whether the relativized DP is singular or plural. V is the augment which co- varies with the phi-features of DPs. Agreement between the DP and the relativizer is local in a strictly left - right configuration. In the absence of these morphemes, relativization is marked through aspect and this involves modifying the aspectual tones on the subject markers. This paper identifies and describes the different relativization strategies in Kenyang as well as the relativized positions and their local dependencies.
Abstract
In Kenyang (a Niger-Congo language spoken in Cameroon), relative clauses can be realized structurally or phonologically. Structurally, the unmarked relative clause position is DP REL. The reversed order REL DP is derived by focalization. The relative morphemes nɛ̀ and bɛ́ modify DPs. The former is used to relativize DPs in finite clauses while the latter relativizes DPs in infinitival clauses. In finite clauses, the relative morpheme has the structure V-CV or V-CV-CV depending on whether the relativized DP is singular or plural. V is the augment which co- varies with the phi-features of DPs. Agreement between the DP and the relativizer is local in a strictly left - right configuration. In the absence of these morphemes, relativization is marked through aspect and this involves modifying the aspectual tones on the subject markers. This paper identifies and describes the different relativization strategies in Kenyang as well as the relativized positions and their local dependencies.
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
