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Article In: Studies in Language: Online-First Articles

The functions and origins of some applicatives in Nalögo and Natügu

ORCiD logo with link | University of Oslo | LACITO-CNRS
 | Dallas International University | SIL Global
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Abstract
Oceanic languages are known for exhibiting a wide range of valency-changing devices. In many languages, these devices are reflexes of Proto-Oceanic derivational morphology, such as the transitivizer *-i, the applicative *akin[i], and the causative *pa[ka]-. While several studies have focused on the reflexes of the Proto-Oceanic affixes, little attention has been paid to language-specific valency-changing devices. In this paper, we analyze the functions and the grammaticalization pathways of several applicatives in two Reefs-Santa Cruz Oceanic languages — Nalögo and Natügu — focusing on those developing from verbs, oblique pronouns, and spatial markers. While verbs are commonly attested as cross-linguistic sources for applicatives, oblique pronouns and spatial markers are less common.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.RSC languages within the oceanic family
  • 3.Notes on the grammar of Nalögo and Natügu
    • 3.1Pronouns and clausal structure
    • 3.2SC Verb Complex
    • 3.3Serial verbs and co-verbs
  • 4.Functions of applicatives and their sources
    • 4.1Applicatives from serial verbs and co-verbs
      • 4.1.1The Natügu applicative -lvë ‘at, about’
      • 4.1.2The applicative -ulë ‘at’
    • 4.2Applicatives from oblique pro-forms
      • 4.2.1The SC applicative -neba
        • 4.2.1.1Applicative vs oblique pro-form
        • 4.2.1.2POc sources of -neba
    • 4.3Applicatives from spatial markers
      • 4.3.1The applicatives -ki ‘path’, -plä ‘through’, and -â ‘across’
      • 4.3.2Grammaticalization pathways of -ki, -plä and -â
  • 5.Typological discussion
  • 6.Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • Author queries
  • References
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