8. Relative clause constructions in two Yemne-Kimbi languages
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Jesse Lovegren
Abstract
Relative clause constructions are profiled for two Yemne-Kimbi (Bantoid) languages of Lower Fungom (North West Region), Mungbam and Mundabli. Both languages have complex phonological systems, with large vowel inventories, four tone levels, and non-affixal morphological processes. Noun class concord systems are relatively well-preserved in these languages (though moreso in Mungbam than in Mundabli) compared to Grassfields languages further to the South. Properties surveyed include ordering of constituents within the noun phrase, the accessibility of different arguments to relativization, possible historical sources of the relativizer, and differential realization of Tense, Aspect, Mood, Polarity and Focus categories in relative clauses. Parallel coverage of topics offers insight into fine grammatical differences between these two related languages. Data are drawn from texts and elicitations collected in the field between 2008-2012 by the authors.
Abstract
Relative clause constructions are profiled for two Yemne-Kimbi (Bantoid) languages of Lower Fungom (North West Region), Mungbam and Mundabli. Both languages have complex phonological systems, with large vowel inventories, four tone levels, and non-affixal morphological processes. Noun class concord systems are relatively well-preserved in these languages (though moreso in Mungbam than in Mundabli) compared to Grassfields languages further to the South. Properties surveyed include ordering of constituents within the noun phrase, the accessibility of different arguments to relativization, possible historical sources of the relativizer, and differential realization of Tense, Aspect, Mood, Polarity and Focus categories in relative clauses. Parallel coverage of topics offers insight into fine grammatical differences between these two related languages. Data are drawn from texts and elicitations collected in the field between 2008-2012 by the authors.
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
