Abstract

We explore the semantics and typology of functional morphemes encoding apprehensional, i.e. negative prospective, meanings through a detailed case study of the adjunct uses of =sa'ne 'APPR' in A'ingae (or Cofán, ISO 639-3: con, an Amazonian isolate). We provide one of the first formal accounts of apprehension: In a structure [p [q=sa'ne]], =sa'ne 'APPR' encodes a modal semantics where the goal worlds of the actor responsible for p avoid a salient situation r=>q. Finally, we reveal two inherent asymmetries among apprehensional functions (precautioning asymmetry and timitive asymmetry), thus making substantial predictions with regards to typological patterns in apprehensional morphology.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call