Aikhenvald, Alexandra Y. (2015) Distance, direction, and relevance: how to choose and use a demonstrative in Manambu. Anthropological Linguistics, 57 (1). pp. 1-45.

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Abstract

Manambu, a Ndu language from East Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea, has a complex system of demonstratives, with many typologically unusual features. Nominal demonstratives distinguish three degrees of distance: close to speaker, close to addressee, and distal from both. They can contain markers of further distance or of topographic deixis, which reflects spatial orientation frames 'uphill', 'upriver', 'downhill', 'downriver', and 'off-river'. A special set of demonstratives marking 'current relevance' can express further distance and topographic deixis. Some, but not all, demonstratives have anaphoric functions. Cataphoric functions are attested just for manner demonstratives. A noun phrase may contain two demonstratives, specifying information that cannot be expressed within one word. The article concludes with a discussion of functional markedness within the Manambu demonstrative system.

Item ID:	42872
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1944-6527
Date Deposited:	21 Mar 2016 01:06
FoR Codes:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2004 Linguistics > 200408 Linguistic Structures (incl Grammar, Phonology, Lexicon, Semantics) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970120 Expanding Knowledge in Language, Communication and Culture @ 100%
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