Research master thesis | Linguistics (research) (MA)
under embargo until 2026-01-31
2026-01-31T00:00:00Z
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...Show moreLike 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.Show less
