Variation in Bantu copula constructions

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Main author: Gibson, Hannah
Other authors: Guérois, Rozenn
Marten, Lutz
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id eprints-24561
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description 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.
author_additional Arche, M.
author_additionalStr Arche, M.
format Book Chapters
author Gibson, Hannah
author_facet Gibson, Hannah
Guérois, Rozenn
Marten, Lutz
authorStr Gibson, Hannah
author_letter Gibson, Hannah
author2 Guérois, Rozenn
Marten, Lutz
author2Str Guérois, Rozenn
Marten, Lutz
title Variation in Bantu copula constructions
publisher Oxford University Press
publishDate 2019
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/24561/

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