Topic-Focus Articulation in Taqbaylit and Tashelhit Berber

This paper deals with the form/function mapping of information structure on word-order in two Berber lects, Taqbaylit (Kabyle) and Tashelhit (Shilha). We claim that the general assumption according to which Berber should be strictly VSO is wrong, and we argue for a more cautious approach, that takes into account language variation inside Berber. We show that pragmatics trigger the emergence of (relatively stable) discourse-confi gurationality, without giving rise to a VSO>SVO shift. We compare Taqbaylit and Tashelhit in terms of information structure and word order variation, and come to the conclusion that, while there is good reason to classify Taqbaylit as discourseconfi gurational, Tashelhit is somewhat more restrictive in terms of word order fl exibility. We link those characteristics with case-marking: the distinction between free state and annexation state is more clearly a dependency-oriented phenomenon in Taqbaylit, while it corresponds more closely to a subject (or marked nominative) versus absolute case system in Tashelhit.Peer reviewe

Towards a fieldwork methodology for eliciting distinctions in lexical aspect in Bantu

Verbal lexical aspectual structure is a domain in which infinite meaning possibilities meet a closed set of grammatical categories. It is therefore a fruitful area for investigations of subtle cross-linguistic semantic differences, as well as of contact-induced semantic change. Bantu lexical aspectual systems typically include "complex" lexicalizations denoting both a coming-to-be phase and a resultant state (e.g. the same verb in different frame can encode both 'get angry' and 'be angry'). At least some Bantu lexical aspectual types are, therefore, difficult to account for using traditional classifications (e.g. Vendler 1957), and the tests frequently used to arrive at classifications may also not be applicable. In this paper, we describe our pilot study of lexical aspect in isiNdebele, a Bantu language of South Africa, and our comparative with a related South African language, Sindebele. We describe some of the tests we used, and suggest general guidelines for developing and applying tests of lexical aspect within and across languages. We also describe and illustrate the semi-structured interview process we used, showing that hybrid elicitation/ethnographic discussions are helpful in developing and appropriately applying tests for lexical aspect.Peer reviewe

A cognitive semantic approach to the linguistic construal of UPPER SPACE in Southern Ndebele

This paper investigates the expression of spatial notions in Southern Ndebele (S. Ndebele), especially the four etymologically-related terms phezu (kwa-+N), phezulu, ngaphezu (kwa-+N) and ngaphezulu. They serve to express orientational and topological notions referring to UPPER SPACE. Starting with the descriptive task of demarcating their respective meanings and uses, the discussion involves important cognitive semantic parameters. The analysis shows that these locatives are best understood as etymologically-related radial categories which have undergone different diachronic developments, notwithstanding considerable overlap. They are all highly context-sensitive. Here, the focus lies on the semantics of co-occurring landmark and trajector noun phrases. Verbs often bear valency-related derivational morphology when used with these locatives whose status in terms of syntactic category is therefore not entirely clear. Consequently, it is problematic to characterise S. Ndebele with regard to Slobin's typology of verb- and satellite-framed languages. A plausible hypothesis (requiring further research) is that the Nguni languages are borderline cases, undergoing a diachronic move from rather verb-framed to more satellite-framed — with the concomitant changes in the construal of locative expressions. A first step towards an answer is presented here: the detailed cognitive-semantic analysis of synchronic polysemy and historical semantic changes of the spatial terms under study. Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies 2005, 23(2): 139–15

Conceptualizing ‘Land’ and ‘Nation’ in Early Gold Coast Nationalism

This chapter reconstructs in detail the shifting meaning of the notion of 'land' in Gold Coast public discourses (academic, public and newspaper writing) in the context of the struggles against colonial land laws in the 1890s and early 1900s. It traces how, gradually, a notion of 'Fatherland' (or 'Nation') emerged during this process which later formed the basis of 20th century nationalist thought. Methods used are discourse analyses and quantitative analyses on conceopts used in newspaper entries

Worte, Stimmen, Räume: Eine Einladung

Mit einem Beitrag von Ingo H. Warnk