Functions of prepositions in Pular: e and ka1

Abstract

AbstractThe article presents an overview of the functions of two prepositions in the Pular language of Guinea (Fula < Atlantic family < Niger‐Congo). These two prepositions, e and ka, stand out from other prepositions as they are the only two that have been neither grammaticalized nor derived. These two prepositions share some functions between them, such as forming a complex prepositional phrase with other prepositions and, to some extent, locative functions. The preposition e can only be used in a limited number of locative contexts (mainly describing interior as opposed to adjacency), and its true domain is numerous functions related to shared argument roles. These functions include sociative, comitative, and reciprocal. Also e can perform a coordinative conjunction function, whereas ka cannot. The latter also has a special, but rare, function, which is introducing addresative argument.