This dissertation explores the semantics and syntax of switch-reference (SR). It makes novel generalizations about the phenomenon based on two empirical sources: A broad, cross-linguistic survey of descriptive reports, and semantic fieldwork that narrowly targets the Kiowa language of Oklahoma. It shows that previous attempts at formalizing…

This dissertation explores the mechanisms behind the linguistic expression of causation in English, Hiaki (Uto-Aztecan) and Spanish. Pylkkanen's (2002, 2008) analysis of causatives as dependent on the parameterization of the functional head v[subscript CAUSE] is chosen as a point of departure. The studies conducted in this dissertation confirm…

A putatively-universal, deep-semantic and -syntactic representation of motion and location is presented. The most characteristic patterns for deriving this representation to the surface in English on the one hand and in Atsugewi (a Hokan Indian language) on the other are then presented and compared. (Author)

A phonological and syntactic study of a small important group of nonarbitrary terms in Pomo baby talk that are concerned with elemental body needs. A progression is shown from sound images closely associated with the action state or object denoted to the phonological patterns of adult languages. (SCC)

In Mixtec there are six motion verbs that are active and function as main and auxiliary verbs and directional modifiers. There are four verbs of arrival and they function as main and auxiliary verbs. These are based on the same root and meaning. The author outlines the pattern of inflection and explains momentary verbs. (SC)

The morphemes /-k/ and /-m/ function as nominal case endings and as verbal syntactic and derivational suffices. They are also polysemous rather than homophonous in Yavapai. Many verbal suffixes are accounted for by the referent-switching rule, indicating the subject of a verb in relation to the next highest verb. (SC)

A brief typological sketch of Wappo syntax is presented as well as a detailed presentation of one particular typological characteristic, "subjecthood." An explanation for the unusual surface coding of subjects in Wappo is given. (Author/NCR)

The verb in Classical Aztec is slowly moving from the end of the sentence to the beginning due to the attraction of sentence initial modal particles to the verb. Not only the function but also the position of elements should be examined to account for word-order change. (SCC)

The first complete descriptive grammar of Lillooet, an interior Salish language spoken in British Columbia (Canada), uses the structuralist method to provide a detailed analysis of the language's sound system, word structure, and syntax, and to explain their functions and positions within Lillooet's overall linguistic structure. The account is…

This article discusses the nominalizer /-qa/ in Hopi, looking specifically at nominalizations in /-qa/ without head nouns, sentential complements in /-qa/, and relative clauses in /-qa/. (CLK)

This research suggests a possible diachronic explanation for the emergence of OVS (Object-Verb-Subject) as basic sentence word order in Carib languages. The application of afterthought grammaticalization patterns to explain diachronic change in the position of subject necessitates some modification of Hyman's and Venneman's hypotheses. Neither…

Uses eight languages in five distinct linguistic areas to examine two hypotheses regarding text generation and analysis and to illustrate their reciprocity relative to narrative discourse. Demonstrates how these hypotheses yield salience schemes and constituent analysis which mutually corroborate and correct each other. (KEH)

The papers in this volume represent revised versions of presentations made at the First Workshop on Yuman Languages held at the University of California, San Diego, June 17-21, 1975. The focus was on the area of syntax, where the least amount of published information had previously been available. Papers presented were: "Syntactic Diversity…

This paper provides an analysis of Choctaw morphology based on the orthographical system described by the same author (See FL 002 864). The author begins with a discussion of the articles, cases, and conjunctions of Choctaw, considering their forms and uses. A consideration of independent and dependent personal pronouns follows and forms the basis…

This dictionary of Ahtna, a dialect of the Athabaskan language family, is the first to integrate all morphemes into a single alphabetically arranged section of main entries, with verbs arranged according to a theory of Ahtna (and Athabascan) verb theme categories. An introductory section details dictionary format conventions used, presents a brief…