Variation in Bantu copula constructions

Gibson, Hannah; Guérois, Rozenn; Marten, Lutz

Abstract

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.

Citation

Gibson, H., Guérois, R., & Marten, L. (2019). Variation in Bantu copula constructions. In M. Arche, A. Fábregas, & R. Marin (Eds.), The Grammar of Copulas Across Languages (213-242). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198829850.003.0011

• Acceptance Date: Jul 25, 2017
• Publication Date: Mar 15, 2019
• Deposit Date: Oct 10, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 10, 2017
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Pages: 213-242
• Series Title: Oxford Studies in Theoretical Linguistics
• Series ISSN: 2755-4368
• Book Title: The Grammar of Copulas Across Languages
• ISBN: 9780198829867
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198829850.003.0011
• Keywords: Bantu languages, micro-variation, language change, language contact, copula
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