Gibson, Hannah and Guérois, Rozenn and Marten, Lutz (2019) Variation in Bantu copula constructions. In: The Grammar of Copulas Across Languages. Oxford Studies in Theoretical Linguistics . Oxford University Press, pp. 213-242. ISBN 9780198829850. Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198829850.003.0011
Gibson, Hannah and Guérois, Rozenn and Marten, Lutz (2019) Variation in Bantu copula constructions. In: The Grammar of Copulas Across Languages. Oxford Studies in Theoretical Linguistics . Oxford University Press, pp. 213-242. ISBN 9780198829850. Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198829850.003.0011
Gibson, Hannah and Guérois, Rozenn and Marten, Lutz (2019) Variation in Bantu copula constructions. In: The Grammar of Copulas Across Languages. Oxford Studies in Theoretical Linguistics . Oxford University Press, pp. 213-242. ISBN 9780198829850. Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198829850.003.0011
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of variation in Bantu non-verbal predication and copula constructions. These constructions exhibit a wide range of fine-grained micro-variation against a backdrop of broad typological similarity across the Bantu family. Variation is seen in the function of copulas, in their morphosyntactic properties, and with respect to the elements with which they combine. A key feature of Bantu copula constructions is the presence of several morphologically distinct copulas in many languages, often with different interpretations and restricted distribution. After surveying copulas found in Bantu, the chapter focuses on five languages—Mongo, Rangi, Digo, Swahili, and Cuwabo—and shows differences in complementation for the different copula forms, with tighter restrictions on locative, existential, and possessive interpretations across the sample, as compared to identificational and attributive interpretations. The data presented in the chapter are relevant for theoretical studies of copulas and the study of language change and language contact.
Item Type: | Book Section |
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Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > Language and Linguistics, Department of |
SWORD Depositor: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Depositing User: | Unnamed user with email elements@essex.ac.uk |
Date Deposited: | 14 Nov 2022 09:49 |
Last Modified: | 16 May 2024 19:17 |
URI: | http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/24518 |
Available files
Filename: Gibson et al 2018 Variation in Bantu copula constructions_accepted.pdf