In:Similative and Equative Constructions: A cross-linguistic perspective
Edited by Yvonne Treis and Martine Vanhove
[Typological Studies in Language 117] 2017
► pp. 321–338
Chapter 12Multifunctionality and polysemy of the similative marker =kán in Pesh
Published online: 31 May 2017
https://doi.org/10.1075/tsl.117.13cha
https://doi.org/10.1075/tsl.117.13cha
Abstract
This paper focuses on the multifunctionality and polysemy of the marker =kán in Pesh, a Chibchan language spoken in Honduras. This multifunctional marker appears in two types of context. First, it appears in noun phrases. In this context, =kán functions as a case marker and is encliticised to a noun or a pronoun. It is polysemous, expressing both similarity and comparison of equality. In constituent interrogative clauses, it is used in conjunction with a pronoun or a noun. These combinations have the meaning of a wh-question word; the interrogative component is not inherent in these combinations but marked on the verb. Second, the marker =kán may be encliticised to a verb in dependent clauses, functioning as a subordinator. In this context, =kán is also polysemous and may encode different types of epistemic modality. The dependent clauses in which =kán occurs may express similarity and simulation, epistemic possibility, hypothetical meaning, irrealis condition, and temporal relation. The use in noun phrases suggests that for the case marker =kán, the manner meaning ‘like’ came first, expressing the notion of similarity, that is, the source function in the grammaticalisation chain. A recent use has developed exhibiting the use of =kán for expressing comparison of equality.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Pesh: Basic typological features
- 3.=kán as a case marker in noun phrases
- 3.1The similative marker
- 3.2Comparison of equality
- 3.3The use of =kán in interrogative clauses
- 4.=kán as a subordinator
- 4.1Simulative and similative expressions
- 4.2Expressions of epistemic possibility
- 4.3Expressions of hypothetical meaning
- 4.4Irrealis conditionals and temporal clauses
- 5.Conclusion: Multifunctionality and polysemy of the similative marker =kán in Pesh
Notes Abbreviations References
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