This thesis examines the functions of the Malayo-Polynesian stative markers *ma- and *ka- reflected in the Central-Malayo-Polynesian languages spoken in the are spanning from Timor to the Aru...Show moreThis thesis examines the functions of the Malayo-Polynesian stative markers *ma- and *ka- reflected in the Central-Malayo-Polynesian languages spoken in the are spanning from Timor to the Aru-Islands. It contributes something new to a history of scientific literature on both the topic and area by examining these morphemes in a comparative typological study. Trends in the way these morphemes are reflected gives insight into the historical developments of CMP languages, genealogical relationships in the area alongside a better understanding of how these morphemes function within each individual language by comparing it with the larger context of the area. This thesis compared ten individual languages alongside wordlist data from the languages of the Babar archipelago to determine the functions of *ma- and *ka- reflexes and discover notable trends. The languages discussed are Rotinese, Uab Meto, Amarasi, Tetun Terik, Tetun Dili, Letinese, Luang, Kisar, Selaru and Dobel. It found three common functions: (1) either morpheme forming predicates or equative clauses, (2) either morpheme deriving adjectives from another word class, and (3) *ma- forming a relativising pronoun maka, prefix mak-, or circumfix ma- -k(a) in combination with a definiteness marker -ka. These findings suggest historical relations and grammatical developments within this area.Show less
