On the expression of mirativity in Rukiga
Rukiga (Bantu, JE14) generally does not have a dedicated morphological system to express mirativity, that is, speaker’s surprise at an unexpected occurrence. Nevertheless, using elicited data, I show that there are various non-dedicated linguistic tools that the language employs to express the spea...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
LibraryPress@UF
2024-03-01
|
| Series: | Studies in African Linguistics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.flvc.org/sal/article/view/131123 |
| Summary: | Rukiga (Bantu, JE14) generally does not have a dedicated morphological system to express mirativity, that is, speaker’s surprise at an unexpected occurrence. Nevertheless, using elicited data, I show that there are various non-dedicated linguistic tools that the language employs to express the speaker’s surprise. This paper discusses object marker doubling, predicate doubling, and the particles -o and ku, which convey mirativity as a secondary function because they have other various roles they play in the language. Hence, mirative interpretation is context-dependent. The findings indicate that the four strategies discussed can be combined for a reinforced mirative interpretation.
|
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0039-3533 2154-428X |