Dependent clauses and focus particle in Kakabe

Abstract

The paper deals with the syntax of focalization in Kakabe (Mokole < Western Mande). By default, the argument focus is marked by a specialized particle lè following the focused constituent which remains in situ. To mark the sentence focus, lè usually follows the subject. lè cannot appear inside adverbial and relative subordinate clauses, in infinitive constructions; it cannot follow most of adverbial expressions. At the same time, it can be hosted by adverbs and postpositional phrases of time, manner and place.