Relativization in Kaakye
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Date
2022
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University of Ghana
Abstract
This paper describes the relative clause (RC) in Kaakye, a Kwa (NigerCongo) language. Evidence is provided to show that Kaakye RC is strictly
postnominal and that both the head noun and its referent within the RC are
obligatorily expressed. Unlike RCs in some Kwa languages that are close
neighbours, the head noun in a Kaakye RC obligatorily takes a determiner.
The language also uses the pronoun retention strategy to indicate the
canonical positions the head noun occupies in the RC. Where the pronoun
retention strategy is used, a resumptive pronoun co-references the head
noun in person, number, and animacy to explicitly state the referent of the
head noun within the RC. Based on the available synchronic data, we argue
that Kaakye object resumptives in RCs are number sensitive unlike other
Kwa languages. The paper further demonstrates that all NP positions on the
Accessibility Hierarchy are relativizable.
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Citation
Abunya, L. N. Osam, K. E. (2022). Relativization in Kaakye. Legon Journal of the Humanities. 33(1) DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ljh.v33i1.1.