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Article published In: Language, Context and Text
Vol. 7:1 (2025) ► pp.42–94

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projection in Dagaare

Dynamics in quoting and reporting locutions and ideas

ORCiD logo with link | University of Cape Coast, Ghana
ORCiD logo with link | University of International Business and Economics, China
Published online: 5 September 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/langct.23011.mwi
Abstract
This study examines the dynamics of projection, the grammar of quoting and reporting, in Dagaare (Niger-Congo: Mabia). The study reveals that verbal, mental, and relational processes project other clauses in Dagaare. Projection is encoded by a versatile particle (kɛ́) that serves as: (i) a nexus marker between projecting and projected clauses; (ii) a textual Theme, indexing anaphora and (iii) an interpersonal Theme, indexing evidentiality. Both quotes and reports are paratactically related to the projecting clause. Further, there is no one-to-one correspondence between the paratactic units in reporting and their division into tone groups. Finally, in addition to verbs, nominal predicates can also project reports. The study concludes that beyond its logico-semantics, projection crucially enacts epistemic stance, contributes to discourse organisation, and indicate interactional cues.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Dagaare grammar sketch
  • 3.projection in Dagaare: Forms and realisations
  • 4.Projection across different domains of experience
    • 4.1projection in verbal clauses
      • i.Evidentiality
      • ii.Negotiation
    • 4.2projection in mental clauses
    • 4.3projection in intensive relational clauses
  • 5.projection and mood
    • 5.1Mood type of the projecting clause
    • 5.2Mood type of the projected clause
  • 6.projection and interdependency clause relations
    • 6.1projection and taxis
      • 6.1.1Lexicogrammatical linkage between the projecting and projected clause
      • 6.1.2The projecting and the projected clause in relation to tone groups
    • 6.2Projections in nominal predicate constructions
  • 7.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations and symbols
  • References
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