The morphological-to-analytic causative continuum in Hausa

Autor*innen

• Philip J. Jaggar

Parameter

• 87 Seiten
• 4 Lesestunden

• Lehrbücher
• Sprachbücher & -lexika

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In recent decades, linguists have focused on both homogeneity and variation in expressing causal events across languages. Most studies, whether typological or language-specific, have concentrated on morphologically overt causatives (e.g., ‘lie/lay X down’), often overlooking complex periphrastic formations (e.g., ‘get X to lie down’). This study addresses that gap by examining a broad range of causative expressions in Hausa (Chadic/Afroasiatic) from a strong cross-linguistic perspective. It is the first analysis of its kind in an African language, systematically exploring key design features that differentiate the two mechanisms. The research reveals that Hausa periphrastic causatives can vary in implicational strength based on the modal (TAM) properties of the lower clause. Aligning with contemporary typological approaches, the analysis highlights the dichotomy between direct and indirect causative constructions. Direct causation is linked to morphological causatives, while indirect causation corresponds to periphrastic expressions—illustrated by the contrast between ‘I lay X down’ (direct) and ‘I got X to lie down’ (indirect, with X as an intervening actor). This study offers insights into how these two types convey pragmatically distinct causal events and participant roles.

• Sprache: Englisch
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2017
• Einband: Hardcover