The Semantic Values of AÐE and LA in Ewe

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-93
Author(s):  
Rachel Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Relative Clauses ◽  
Multiple Functions ◽  
Givenness Hierarchy ◽  
Indefinite Pronoun ◽  
Semantic Values

Aɖe and la have multiple functions which are often realized by the position they occupy in various syntactic environments in Ewe, a Kwa language. Aɖe can function as an indefinite marker, a partitive marker or an indefinite pronoun. La can function as a definite marker, an agentive suffix, or a terminal particle. As a terminal particle, la occurs at the end of preposed adverbial phrases and nominal phrases, embedded relative clauses which are postposed to the nominal heads, and other dependent clauses in Ewe constructions. Using the Givenness Hierarchy, this study argues that regardless of the different syntactic environments in which these particles occur, each of them has a univocal value semantically: the use of aɖe and la encode the cognitive statuses ‘referential’ and ‘uniquely identifiable’ respectively in Ewe.Keywords: Particles, Indefiniteness, Definiteness, Referential, Uniquely Identifiable

Formal and Functional Types of Indefinite Pronoun

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Haspelmath
Keyword(s):  
Relative Clauses ◽  
Negative Polarity ◽  
Ontological Category ◽  
Functional Types ◽  
Formal Element ◽  
Free Relative ◽  
Existential Sentences ◽  
Universal Quantifiers ◽  
Indefinite Pronoun ◽  
Indefinite Pronouns

This chapter examines formal and functional types of indefinite pronoun. It first presents some examples of different indefinite pronoun series in a variety of languages, focusing on a formal element shared by all members of an indefinite pronoun series, such as some and any in English. This element is called indefiniteness marker, an affix or a particle which stands next to the pronoun stem. The chapter proceeds by discussing two main types of derivational bases from which indefinite pronouns are derived in the world's languages: interrogative pronouns and generic ontological category nouns like person, thing or place. It also looks at the main functional types of indefinite pronoun, namely: negative indefinite pronouns and negative polarity (or scale reversal). Finally, it analyses some alternatives to indefinite pronouns, including generic nouns, existential sentences, non-specific free relative clauses, and universal quantifiers.

scholarly journals Patterns of Relative Clauses in Dagbanli

SAGE Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824401769201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Razak Inusah
Keyword(s):  
Word Order ◽  
Relative Clause ◽  
Relative Clauses ◽  
The Other ◽  
Indefinite Pronoun

The article examines the patterns of relative clauses in Dagbanli, a Gur language spoken in northern part of Ghana. It focuses on a range of possible RC patterns, and presents a coherent classification using Vries’s model of RC types. The article argues that Dagbanli has two RC types which are characterized by shared features so “indefinite pronoun” that forms a compound with the nominal root, and maa or la “clause-final determiner.” The first RC type is restricted to cases in which the antecedent has subject function within the RC, and the other RC type occurs only with nonsubjects as relativized head making use of postsubjectival particle ni to mark subordinated clauses. It is proposed that Dagbanli has a postnominal word order of N . . . RC . . . D and allows D-type ([[Subj V Obj] D] RC) in-situ HIRC (Head Internal Relative Clause) as well HERC (Head External Relative Clause). It also presents ŋun “who” and ni “which” as question particles that are used to introduce relative clauses in Dagbanli.

Forgiveness and the Multiple Functions of Anger

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-71
Author(s):  
Antony G. Aumann ◽  
◽  
Zac Cogley ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Functions

Die weltweite Bedeutung von permanenten Stichproben im Wandel der Informationsbedürfnisse: das Beispiel der Kohlenstoffinventuren | The global meaning of permanent sampling in keeping with the need for information: the example of carbon stock inventories

2003 ◽  
Vol 154 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 122-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Köhl
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Stock ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Timber Production ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Multiple Functions ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Global Meaning ◽  
Ideal Tool ◽  
Flexible Instruments

Permanent sampling designs utilize permanent plots and observations on successive occasions and proven to be an ideal tool for providing information on the sustainability of timber production. Are permanent sampling designs an adequate instrument to satisfy information needs concerning the sustainability of the multiple functions of forests? The example of carbon stock inventories is selected to demonstrate that permanent sampling designs are flexible instruments for inventorying and monitoring forests. The theoretical concepts of permanent samples can easily be adapted to new attributes and allow for providing a wide scope of information on wood and non-wood goods and services of forests.

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