Abstract
The grammatical position of the subject noun phrase in Northern Sotho is to the left of the predicate. The subject agreement morpheme is a compulsory link between the subject noun phrase and the predicate. Scholars have examined the role of this morpheme from various perspectives. It is also extensively documented that the morpheme has dual functions. Its primary function is to mark agreement between the subject and the predicate. Its secondary function is pronominal, whereby it is co-referenced to some antecedent. This article reexamined the primary role of the subject agreement morpheme in Northern Sotho in relation to the interpretation of a subject noun phrase as definite or indefinite. This was accomplished by (1) revisiting existing works that are directly or indirectly linked to (in)definiteness and subject agreement, (2) analysing texts that may facilitate discussion on the issue, and (3) relating the findings from previous works to current analyses. The first hypothesis in this article was that when some class 9 subject noun phrases, denoting persons, agree with the verb stem by a class 1 agreement morpheme, the noun phrases are interpreted as definite. The second hypothesis was that although the subject position is considered predominantly topical and definite it may not categorically exclude indefinite noun phrases. Therefore some indefinite noun phrases may also agree with predicates by means of this morpheme.
Highlights
This article addresses issues that have been studied in various languages prior to this research, including Northern Sotho
The issues relating to definite reference are considered relevant in Northern Sotho because definiteness as a grammatical category is viewed as the grammaticalisation of a semantic and pragmatic category of identifiability, which is available across languages (Lyons 1999)
Noun phrases in the preverbal subject position are understood to be typically generic or definite
Summary
This article addresses issues that have been studied in various languages prior to this research, including Northern Sotho. That the interpretation is determined from the context (Ziervogel, Lombard & Mokgokong 1969) Another view is that the subject position is an exclusive definite position (Louwrens 1981). The third view relates to the interpretation of a class 9 subject noun phrase (NPsubj) with a class 1 SM (cf Mokgokong 1975) and its relationship with definiteness. The grammatical functions of an SM are briefly differentiated in order to isolate the function under discussion. This discussion will cover class 9 personal NPs and the role that a class 1 SM plays in their interpretation and will consider NPs in general.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
