Postfixal expression of the category of grammatical class in the attributive forms of the Dargin languages

Abstract

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of class markers functioning in adjective and participial suffixes of the South Dargin languages (Dargin branch of the Nakh-Dagestan languages). The Dargin languages are characterized by a complex and extensive system of grammatical categories, however, the categories in numerous Dargin languages and dialects remain still unstudied, and that is the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study is to identify the cases of usage the changing markers of class and case in the postfixal position in the Dargin languages. To achieve this purpose, the following tasks are followed: a) to study the category of grammatical class in archaic South Dargin languages; b) to study the peculiarities of the functioning of class-numerical exponents; c) to identify the attributive words the class indicators of which function in the postfixal position; d) comparative analysis of Dargin word forms with changing class-numerical elements. The use of both field linguistics methods, as well as the comparative method and the method of synchronic analysis is needed to solve the above-mentioned issues. The novelty of the study is in the first attempt of comparative analysis of class-numerical indicators’ functioning in the postfixal position of attributive forms. A similar phenomenon was described only in the Kubachi language earlier. As a result of the study, all cases of postfixal use of changing class exponents in the South Dargin languages and dialects are identified. In particular, in the Chirag language these affixes are revealed in the present and past tense forms. In the Itzari dialect they are revealed in attributes derived from the demonstrative pronouns, in the Sanzhi dialect - in adjectives denoting a high degree of quality. The results of the study can be useful for compiling a comparative historical grammar of the Dargin languages.