Morphosyntactic variation in Bantu: The case of Setswana

Main author: Kula, Nancy C.
Other authors: Marten, Lutz
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-41465
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description Within the context of microvariation in Bantu, three processes are examined in Setswana – object marking, inversion constructions and diminutive marking. Setswana morpho-syntactic structures for these constructions present instances that distinguish Setswana from Eastern Bantu languages and yet also cases of similarity with patterns more commonly attested in Eastern rather than Southern Bantu languages. Using a comparative-parametric approach Setswana is shown to pattern with Southern Bantu in its default agreement and diminutive marking patterns while its flexibility in allowing multiple object markers with free ordering is more closely related to Eastern Bantu, suggesting complex historical patterns of contact.
format Journal Article
author Kula, Nancy C.
author_facet Kula, Nancy C.
Marten, Lutz
authorStr Kula, Nancy C.
author_letter Kula, Nancy C.
author2 Marten, Lutz
author2Str Marten, Lutz
title Morphosyntactic variation in Bantu: The case of Setswana
publisher Portland State University
publishDate 2023
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/41465/