6 Spatial prefixes as applicatives in Harakmbut
Year: 2022
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: This paper focuses on valence-increasing morphology that introduces a non-Actor argument into the clause in Harakmbut (isolate, Peru). It first discusses two dedicated applicative markers which are in complementary distribution, and then homes in on a set of spatial prefixes which can also serve an applicative function. These prefixes are positionally flexible, and may simultaneously occur in distinct slots on a single verb form. Three types of uses can be distinguished for the spatial prefixes: non-syntactic, valence-neutral spatial uses, valence-increasing spatial uses and valence-increasing non-spatial uses. It is argued that these three uses can be interpreted as distinct stages on a grammaticalization pathway from spatial, lexical element to abstract, non-spatial grammatical element. The prefixes investigated turn out to occupy different places on this applicativization pathway. These spatial prefixes are a previously unreported source for applicative markers.
Source: De Gruyter eBooks
Author: An Van Linden
Institutions: University of Liège, KU Leuven
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4297858641