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In:Similative and Equative Constructions: A cross-linguistic perspective
Edited by Yvonne Treis and Martine Vanhove
[Typological Studies in Language 117] 2017
► pp. 341–358

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Chapter 13
Similative morphemes and their grammaticalisations in Yemsa

Published online: 31 May 2017
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/tsl.117.14zau
Abstract
Yemsa (Omotic) has two similative morphemes, the suffix -nē (indefinite) / -(y)sē (definite) (similative 1), which belongs to a system of 13 nominal cases, and the noun màtó (similative 2). The paper explores the unusual distribution and the primary and extended functions of these ‘like’-morphemes. Similative 1 combines with the verb fō ‘be there’ (yielding ‘be like X’), while similative 2 is used with other verbs (e.g. ‘run like X’). Similative 2 also encodes the standard of comparison in equative constructions (e.g. ‘as wise as X’) and marks role phrases, accord phrases and accord clauses. Furthermore, it serves as a complementiser and as a marker of negative purpose clauses. In contrast, the suffixal similative 1 is used as a marker of temporal and conditional clauses. As clausal markers, the similatives do not only encode different functions but the verb forms to which they are suffixed or encliticised are composed differently. The discussion of Yemsa is embedded in the broader areal context and possible paths of grammaticalisation are sketched.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Similative phrases and other uses with nouns
    • 2.1 similative 1
    • 2.2 similative 2
      • 2.2.1Accord phrases
      • 2.2.2Role phrases
      • 2.2.3Equative phrases
  • 3.Similative clauses and other uses with verbs
    • 3.1 similative 1
      • 3.1.1 similative 1 > temporal
      • 3.1.2 similative 1 > conditional
      • 3.1.3 similative 1 > immediate future?
    • 3.2 similative 2
      • 3.2.1Similative clauses
      • 3.2.2 similative 2 > marker of accord clauses
      • 3.2.3 similative 2 > marker of “role clauses”
      • 3.2.4 similative 2 > complementiser
      • 3.2.5 similative 2 > negative purposive
  • 4.Discussion
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • References
References (22)
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2022. On an idiosyncratic type of an Old English simile. Acta Linguistica Hafniensia 54:2 ► pp. 235 ff. DOI logo

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