6. Relative clause in (Western) Ejagham
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John R. Watters
Abstract
This paper provides an understanding of the structure and constraints of relative clauses in (Western) Ejagham. This understanding is gained through a review of certain relevant typological features of Ejagham, an analysis of the basic structure of the relative clause and the variations on this structure, the strategies used in forming relative clauses, and finally how these strategies relate to the grammatical relations of noun phrases. Ejagham has a standard RC structure for a S-V-O language. However, it has a number of permissible syntactic variations on this structure, including three sets of relativizers. Ejagham uses two strategies to indicate the NP within the RC that is co-referential with the head NP of the RC: the gap strategy and the resumptive pronoun strategy. Given these two strategies, Ejagham puts no limits on which grammatical relations can be relativized.
Abstract
This paper provides an understanding of the structure and constraints of relative clauses in (Western) Ejagham. This understanding is gained through a review of certain relevant typological features of Ejagham, an analysis of the basic structure of the relative clause and the variations on this structure, the strategies used in forming relative clauses, and finally how these strategies relate to the grammatical relations of noun phrases. Ejagham has a standard RC structure for a S-V-O language. However, it has a number of permissible syntactic variations on this structure, including three sets of relativizers. Ejagham uses two strategies to indicate the NP within the RC that is co-referential with the head NP of the RC: the gap strategy and the resumptive pronoun strategy. Given these two strategies, Ejagham puts no limits on which grammatical relations can be relativized.
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
