Sentential complements and predicates in Northern Somali

Abstract

Abstract In the introductory part of this contribution, some of the general parameters that have been used in the literature for describing systems of sentential complementation are briefly surveyed. The major types of Northern Somali sentential complements are described in the following sections. Firstly, clauses introduced by the complementizer in, together with its possible etymology. These are followed by infinitival complements and quotative complements, which are used in a wide array of constructions. Complements headed by verbal nouns or masdars are also discussed, as well as indirect questions, which the author argues should be kept as a syntactic object also in this language. Finally, sentential predicates are introduced, i.e., sentential complements functioning as non-verbal predicates in copular constructions and in their verbless counterparts.