The syntax and pragmatics of Tungusic revisited

This paper considers the changes in clause-combining structures as the Siberian Tungusic languages, represented here by Evenki, are undergoing shift due to contact with Russian. Native clause-combining strategies, specifically parataxis and subordination with converb forms, are being replaced by coordination and subordination with finite verbs based on Russian models. Surprisingly few Russian conjunctions are borrowed, contrary to the predictions of borrowing hierarchies. A comparison of data from monolingual speakers, bilingual speakers, and Russian-dominant speakers raises questions about the processes of typological restructuring versus language shift.