DOCSLIB.ORG

A Non-Coercing Account of Event Structure in Pular

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Non-Coercing Account of Event Structure in Pular A Non-Coercing Account of Event Structure in Pular James Barrie Evans Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of PhD University College London September 1998 ProQuest Number: 10609318 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a com plete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 10609318 Published by ProQuest LLC(2017). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States C ode Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106- 1346 Tulde Gandal an fii Fulde den e Haala ntun 2 A bst rac t In the light of recent theories of event structure and focus interpretation, this thesis proposes an analysis of the semantic and pragmatic values of the main perfective forms of Pular, a dialect of the Fulfulde language of the West Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The perfective system of Pular shows considerable complexity, there being three basic forms and several other forms with additional morphological marking. The semantic and pragmatic distinction between these forms has up till now resisted satisfactory analysis. Three basic forms and an additional statively-marked form are considered to constitute the four main forms in the Pular perfective system. An analysis of these forms is proposed in which it is argued that the notion of coercion, found in other proposals on event structure, is inappropriate and its function can be replaced by the use of a richer event structure of events and sub-events. To capture the appropriate interpretation of the perfective forms, a Neo- Davidsonian logical form is used, building on and elaborating ideas of Higginbotham, in which both event structure and verb focus can be portrayed. This type of logical form is justified in terms of the Carlsonian Kind/Object/Stage distinction, and is considered to portray the mental representation of an utterance in conceptual structure, in the sense of Jackendoff s proposals on the architecture of the language faculty. Further, in conjunction with relevance-theoretic principles of utterance interpretation, Rooth’s alternative semantics theory of focus is deployed to show how these logical forms are interpreted and considered felicitous or infelicitous in different contexts. This analysis of the Pular perfective verb system shows how a layered ontology of events and sub-events can be used to analyse a complex perfective system and constitutes an advance on previous studies of aspectual phenomena in Fulfulde. 3 A cknowledgements The names of the individuals I am indebted to after 12 years living among the Ful6e people in the Republic of Guinea and 5 years of study for a PhD extends beyond what can reasonably be written down on one page. In the first place I should acknowledge the Board of Christian Reformed World Missions, who commissioned me in 1985 to undertake the exacting task of translating the Christian scriptures into the Ful6e dialect of Guinea. It was this task which required me to study the dialect in depth and to expend the effort in understanding its recondite features. I would like to express my appreciation for my colleagues in Guinea, who have been a continual source of support. In second place I extend my thanks to the Ful6e community of Lab6 for unfailing hospitality and graciousness. My gratitude goes to Sai'dou Bald6 and Tierno Issa Diallo for accompanying me with patience in the first few years of language learning. My appreciation also to the Ful6e merchants of ‘maakiti Labe’, for their mischievous readiness to quote me yet another language feature I did not know! More recently I am indebted to the Fulbe staff of the University of Conakry, in particular to Abdalla Diallo and Mamadou Saliou Diallo, for sharing with me their rich knowledge of their language and culture. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the staff of the Linguistics Department of University College London: to Neil Smith for advice and encouragement, to Dierdre Wilson for insight, and to Annabel Cormack for insisting that it should make sense! Any shortcomings still remain my own. My appreciation goes to my wife Nancy and to my children Susanna, Miriam and Bryn, for venturing enthusiastically with me to Africa, and for their support during this period of study. Finally, for friends who have inspired and encouraged, and to the one Khalil above all, heartfelt thanks and praise. 4 T a b l e o f Co n t e n t s L ist of T a b l e s ....................................................................................................... 10 L ist of Dia g r a m s ...................................................................................................11 A bbreviations .................................................................................................... 12 1. I ntroduction .................................................................................................. 13 2. B a c k g r o u n d a n d O u t l i n e ........................................................................... 15 2.1 The P ro b le m ....................................................................................... 15 2.2 Conceptual Structure ....................................................................... 19 2.2.1 Coercion .......................................................................... 23 2.3 Modelling Mental Representation ................................................. 26 2.3.1 Types of Logical F o rm ................................................... 29 2.3.2 Logical Form in Relevance Theory ............................... 31 2.3.3 Logical Form and Events ................................................. 35 2.4 Vendlerian Categories ..................................................................... 38 2.5 Focus Interpretation .......................................................................... 42 3. G r a m m a t ic a l O u t l in e of P u l a r ............................................................46 3.1 Phonology ............................................................................................ 49 3.1.1 Consonant Alternation ................................................... 51 3.2 Morphology ......................................................................................... 52 3.2.1 Verb Morphology ............................................................. 52 3.2.1.1 Perfective and Imperfective Suffixes 53 3.2.1.2 Statively-Marked Clauses ............................... 55 3.2.1.3 Infinitive and Verbal Noun Form s ............... 56 3.2.1.4 The Progressive Construction ....................... 57 3.2.1.5 The Anterior Suffix ......................................... 57 3.2.1.6 Verb Extensions .............................................. 59 5 3.2.1.7 Lexically Passive V erbs ................................. 63 3.2.1.8 The ‘Impersonal’ Passive ............................... 63 3.2.2 Pronominal Morphology ................................................. 64 3.2.3 Nominal Morphology ...................................................... 68 3.2.4 Participles............................ 70 3.2.5 Adjectivals ....................................................................... 71 3.3 Syntax ............................................................................................... 72 3.3.1 Phrase Construction ........................................................ 72 3.3.2 Clause Construction ........................................................ 74 3.3.3 Relators ............................................................................... 76 3.3.4 Subject and Object D rop ................................................. 77 3.3.4.1 Subject Drop ................................................... 77 3.3.4.2 Object D rop ...................................................... 78 3.3.5 Focussing and Topicalisation ......................................... 79 3.3.5 Focussing ............................................................. 79 3.3.5 Topicalisation ...................................................... 80 3.3.6 Copular Clauses ................................................................ 80 3.3.7 Subordination ..................................................................... 81 4. T h e P e r f e c t iv e Sy st e m o f P u l a r ....................................................... 84 4.1 Non-Sequential Uses of Perfective-2 ........................................... 85 4.1.1 Focussing .......................................................................... 87 4.1.2 Subordination ..................................................................... 89 4.2 Use of Perfective-3 .......................................................................... 90 4.2.1 Non-Durative Events ...................................................... 94 4.2.2 Durative Events ................................................................ 95 4.2.3 ‘Semelfactive’Events ...................................................... 98 4.2.4 Perfective-3 in Restricted Environments .................. 100 4.3 Use of Perfective-2 in the Denotation of Event Sequences . 103 4.4 Use of Perfective-1 ......................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • AN INTRODUCTORY GRAMMAR of OLD ENGLISH Medieval and Renaissance Texts and Studies
    AN INTRODUCTORY GRAMMAR OF OLD ENGLISH MEDievaL AND Renaissance Texts anD STUDies VOLUME 463 MRTS TEXTS FOR TEACHING VOLUme 8 An Introductory Grammar of Old English with an Anthology of Readings by R. D. Fulk Tempe, Arizona 2014 © Copyright 2020 R. D. Fulk This book was originally published in 2014 by the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Arizona State University, Tempe Arizona. When the book went out of print, the press kindly allowed the copyright to revert to the author, so that this corrected reprint could be made freely available as an Open Access book. TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE viii ABBREVIATIONS ix WORKS CITED xi I. GRAMMAR INTRODUCTION (§§1–8) 3 CHAP. I (§§9–24) Phonology and Orthography 8 CHAP. II (§§25–31) Grammatical Gender • Case Functions • Masculine a-Stems • Anglo-Frisian Brightening and Restoration of a 16 CHAP. III (§§32–8) Neuter a-Stems • Uses of Demonstratives • Dual-Case Prepositions • Strong and Weak Verbs • First and Second Person Pronouns 21 CHAP. IV (§§39–45) ō-Stems • Third Person and Reflexive Pronouns • Verbal Rection • Subjunctive Mood 26 CHAP. V (§§46–53) Weak Nouns • Tense and Aspect • Forms of bēon 31 CHAP. VI (§§54–8) Strong and Weak Adjectives • Infinitives 35 CHAP. VII (§§59–66) Numerals • Demonstrative þēs • Breaking • Final Fricatives • Degemination • Impersonal Verbs 40 CHAP. VIII (§§67–72) West Germanic Consonant Gemination and Loss of j • wa-, wō-, ja-, and jō-Stem Nouns • Dipthongization by Initial Palatal Consonants 44 CHAP. IX (§§73–8) Proto-Germanic e before i and j • Front Mutation • hwā • Verb-Second Syntax 48 CHAP.
    [Show full text]
  • The Grammar of English Grammars, 2 Chapter Iv
    1 CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. CHAPTER III. CHAPTER X. CHAPTER XI. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. CHAPTER III. CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER V. CHAPTER VI. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. CHAPTER III. CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER V. CHAPTER VIII. CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III. CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER V. CHAPTER VI. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. CHAPTER III. CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. CHAPTER III. THE GRAMMAR OF ENGLISH GRAMMARS, 2 CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER V. CHAPTER VI. CHAPTER VII. CHAPTER VIII. CHAPTER IX. CHAPTER X. CHAPTER XI. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER II. CHAPTER III. CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER V. CHAPTER VI. THE GRAMMAR OF ENGLISH GRAMMARS, WITH AN INTRODUCTION HISTORICAL AND CRITICAL; THE WHOLE METHODICALLY ARRANGED AND AMPLY ILLUSTRATED; WITH FORMS OF CORRECTING AND OF PARSING, IMPROPRIETIES FOR CORRECTION, EXAMPLES FOR PARSING, QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION, EXERCISES FOR WRITING, OBSERVATIONS FOR THE ADVANCED STUDENT, DECISIONS AND PROOFS FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTED POINTS, OCCASIONAL STRICTURES AND DEFENCES, AN EXHIBITION OF THE SEVERAL METHODS OF ANALYSIS, AND A KEY TO THE ORAL EXERCISES: TO WHICH ARE ADDED FOUR APPENDIXES, PERTAINING SEPARATELY TO THE FOUR PARTS OF GRAMMAR. BY GOOLD BROWN, THE GRAMMAR OF ENGLISH GRAMMARS, 3 AUTHOR OF THE INSTITUTES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR, THE FIRST LINES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR, ETC. "So let great authors have their due, that Time, who is the author of authors, be not deprived of his due, which is, farther and farther to discover truth."--LORD BACON. SIXTH EDITION--REVISED AND IMPROVED. ENLARGED BY THE ADDITION OF A COPIOUS INDEX OF MATTERS. BY SAMUEL U. BERRIAN,
    [Show full text]
  • The Tai-Kadai Languages Resources for Thai Language Research
    This article was downloaded by: 10.3.98.104 On: 26 Sep 2021 Access details: subscription number Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG, UK The Tai-Kadai Languages Anthony V. N. Diller, Jerold A. Edmondson, Yongxian Luo Resources for Thai Language Research Publication details https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/doi/10.4324/9780203641873.ch3 Anthony Diller Published online on: 11 Jun 2008 How to cite :- Anthony Diller. 11 Jun 2008, Resources for Thai Language Research from: The Tai- Kadai Languages Routledge Accessed on: 26 Sep 2021 https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/doi/10.4324/9780203641873.ch3 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR DOCUMENT Full terms and conditions of use: https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/legal-notices/terms This Document PDF may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproductions, re-distribution, re-selling, loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The publisher shall not be liable for an loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. PART 2 TAI LANGUAGES: OVERVIEWS AND RESOURCES Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 19:02 26 Sep 2021; For: 9780203641873, chapter3, 10.4324/9780203641873.ch3 29 This page intentionally left blank Downloaded By: 10.3.98.104 At: 19:02 26 Sep 2021; For: 9780203641873, chapter3, 10.4324/9780203641873.ch3 30 CHAPTER THREE 3.
    [Show full text]
  • ROMANI GRAMMAR by Marcel Courthiade
    ROMANI GRAMMAR by Marcel Courthiade Volume 1: General Information, Phonology, and Morphology Translated from Albanian by Geoff Husič Originally published in Tirana, Albania, 1989 as Gramatika e gjuhes rrome Notes on the digital edition I originally completed this translation in 1989 and have recently digitized the print edition, the original text file of which is in a now-unconvertable format. Other than the few chances mentioned below, this pdf is identical to the print version. I have changed the original spelling of Romany to the more moden spelling Romani. Replacing text in a PDF is a fairly clunky procedure so there may be a few resulting format abberations. It was also not possible to change the spelling in few cases in the images in the text. The name of the author has been changed from Marcel Cortiade to his preferred spelling Marcel Courthiade. Geoff Husić Slavic & Near East Studies Librarian University of Kansas Libraries December 4, 2019 Contents Translator's Preface iv Part I: General Information On Romani. 1 The Common Romani Language • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . 1 Romany's Relationship To Other Languages • • • • • • • • • . 1 The Distribution of Romani and The Dialectal Composition• • . 3 Creolized and Atypical Dialects . • • • • • • • • • • • • 4 True Romani Dialects • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5 • Standardization . • • • • • • ••••• • • . • • . 7 •The Principal of • • • • • • • • • • 7 StandardizationOne Common Standard, With Three Levels of Tolerance . • • . 10 The Common Romani Alphabet • • • • • • • • • • • • • . 12 Part 2: Phonology •• 15 Vowels . 15 Basic Vowels • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • 15 Pre-jotizing Vowels • • • • • • • • • • • . • . 15 Vowels Distinctive To Particular Dialects • • • • . • . 15 Stress . 17 Stress in Declined Words • . • . • • • • • • • • . • • 17 Stress in Conjugated Words • • • • • • . • • • • • • • 20 Stress in invariable Words • • • • • • • • • • • • • . 22 Conclusion and Practical Application • • • • • • • • . 22 Consonants • • • • .
    [Show full text]
  • Elements of Gaelic Grammar
    (Xr. -^^'j^Si^ U- / i/i - A"^ ^t ELEMENTS GAELIC GRAMMAR ^ ELEMENTS GAELIC GRAMMAR IN FOUR PARTS: I. Of Pronunciation and t III. Of Syntax. Orthography. \ IV. Of Derivation and II. Of the Parts of Speech. \ Composition. By ALEXANDER STEWART, minister of the gospel at DINGWALL, honorary member of the HIGHLAND SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND. SECOND EDITION, CORRECTED AND ENLARGED. EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY C. STEWART AND SOLD BY OLIPHANT, WAUGH, & INNES, EDINBURGH; AND BY LEWIS GRANT AND CO. INVERNESS. 1812, CnteteU in ^tationetiei' fp$M TO SIR JOHN MACGREGOR MURRAY, OF LANRICK, BART. THE ENLIGHTENED AND ACTIVE PATRON OF GAELIC LITERATURE, THE FOLLOWING TREATISE IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY HIS OBLIGED AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. Pag, Introduction .._...... ix PART I. Of Pronunciation and Orthography 1 PAPtT II. Of the Parts of Speech 41 Chap. I. Of the Article id Chap. II. Of Nouns 42 Of Gender « id Of Declension 47 Chap. III. Of Adjectives 61 Of Numeral Adjectives 66 Chap. IV. Of Pronouns 68 Chap. V. Of Verbs 72 Formation of the Tenses »..83 Use and import of the Moods and Tenses 93 Irregular Verbs 104 Defective Verbs 108 Jleciprocating state of Verbs.^.M....... Ill ( viii ) Chap. V. Impersonal use of Verbs 115 Auxiliary Verbs 117 Chap. VI. Of Adverbs 1 19 Chap. VII. Of Prepositions 126 Idiomatic phrases 1 34 Chap. VIII. Of Conjunctions 144 Chap. IX. Of Interjections 146 PART III. Of Syntax 147 Chap. I. Of Concord id. Sect. 1. Of the agreement of the Article with a Noun 148 Sect. 2. Of the agreement of an Adjective with a Noun 152 Sect.
    [Show full text]
  • Mutation As Morphology: Bases, Stems, and Shapes in Scottish Gaelic
    MUTATION AS MORPHOLOGY: BASES, STEMS, AND SHAPES IN SCOTTISH GAELIC DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Thomas W. Stewart, Jr., M.A. ***** The Ohio State University 2004 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Professor Brian D. Joseph, Adviser Professor Richard D. Janda ____________________________ Professor Gregory T. Stump Adviser Department of Linguistics Copyright by Thomas William Stewart, Jr. 2004 ABSTRACT The description of initial consonant mutations in the Celtic languages has frequently been attempted. Theoretical treatments have tended to focus on either the phonological aspects of the alternations or the syntactic aspects of distribution. Both of these perspectives, however, leave the topic incompletely covered. On the one hand, there is no reliable synchronic phonetic conditioning generally to be found in the modern Celtic languages. On the other, the syntactic conditions are not unified and frequently make reference to strictly local, rather than hierarchical, relations between “triggers”, which seem to condition the mutations, and “targets”, the word or words which actually instantiate the particular mutations. Attempts to bridge the theoretical gap directly by means of a so-called “syntax-phonology interface” consistently miss the functions of the mutations as part of word formation, i.e. the morphological function of mutations. This dissertation treats consonant mutation in Scottish Gaelic (SG) as a set of morphological processes, operative in relating one lexeme to another, a lexeme to its various inflected word-forms, and word-forms to particular shapes of those word-forms required by particular syntactic constructions or collocations.
    [Show full text]