Work

Concernee-Concern constructions

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: This paper provides an analysis of the phenomenon commonly known as external possession in the Bantu languages. On the basis of comparative data, I argue for a prototype approach to the intricate problem of determining the conditions of use of such constructions, which I rename Concernee-Concern constructions, introducing two new terms for the thematic roles involved. Situations can be expressed by means of Concernee-Concern construction if they correspond to the prototypical situation that involves somebody’s body part being affected by an action, or if they show a family resemblance to this situation. I argue against the relevance of alienability. The paper also provides a formal typology of Concernee-Concern constructions in the Bantu languages.

Source: Studies in Language

DOI: 10.1075/sl.18059.vel

Author: Mark L. O. Van de Velde

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Langage, langues et cultures d'Afrique

Language: English

Topic: Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche

Awards: Empirical Foundations of Linguistics : data, methods, models, G7240651115