Leiden University Student Repository

Loviscach, Dominique (2024)

Differential Object Marking in Kîîtharaka

Research master thesis | Linguistics (research) (MA)

Like other Bantu languages, Kîîtharaka (Guthrie E54, Central Kenya Bantu) allows indexing the object on the verb by inserting an object prefix in front of the verb stem. Object marking is prohibited in case of an overt object. However, if the object is dislocated, this marker sometimes occurs obligatorily, while in other cases, it is prohibited. Hence, Kîîtharaka poses a classical case for differential object marking (DOM). The main outcome of this thesis is the finding that a complex interplay of a variety of factors is responsible for differential object marking in Kîîth araka. These factors include cross-linguistically well-known triggers for DOM such as animacy and accessibility, but also lesser-known factors such as predicate class and verum. In addition to proposing a hierarchy according to which the established factors apply, individuation is given as a possible theoretical explanation to account for the diversity of factors found.

differential object marking

morpho-syntax

Bantu

individuation

Author

Loviscach, Dominique

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Dr G.J. van der Wal

ECTS Credits

30

Language

en