Cover not available
Article published In:
Asian Languages and Linguistics
Vol. 2:1 (2021) ► pp.36–79

The split word orders APV and PAV of Nuosu Yi

Comparing to the split ergativity of the Tibeto-Burman languages

| Minzu University of China

Nuosu Yi is a Tibeto-Burman (henceforth TB) language lacking sufficient core case markers. Depending on the telicity and aspectuality of the predicates, its basic word order splits into APV and rigid PAV. To be specific, the atelic and/or imperfective predicates are APV, while the telic predicates indicated by the resultativity or perfect aspect are PAV. This paper describes the semantics and syntax of the syntactic PAV and APV of Nuosu Yi thoroughly; and compares them to other TB languages in terms of role marking strategies. I propose that the conditions of split word order in Nuosu Yi are on a par with those of the split ergativity encoded by the morphological marking in Tibetan and some other TB languages; namely, the rigid PAV corresponds to the ergative alignment, and the rigid APV corresponds to the accusative alignment. The study will deepen Nuosu Yi’s morpho-syntax study and show the word order diversity to the studies of linguistic typology. Additionally, the study sheds light on the possibility of extending the definition of ergativity and its potential counterpart.

Keywords: Nuosu Yi, split word order, split ergativity, Tibeto-Burman, case-marking
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The background and linguistic profiles of the Nuosu Yi Language
    • 2.1Location and population
    • 2.2Genetic classification and varieties
    • 2.3The related typological profile
    • 2.4Morphological case marking in Nuosu Yi
      • 2.4.1Morphological marking for agentive case
      • 2.4.2Morphological marking for oblique cases
      • 2.4.3Distinction between nominative and accusative pronoun of the third singular person
    • 2.5Split basic word order PAV and APV of Nuosu Yi
  • 3.Lexical aspect and grammatical aspect of Nuosu Yi
    • 3.1Situation types (lexical aspect) of verb phrases
      • 3.1.1State situations of verb phrases
      • 3.1.2Activity situations of verb phrases
      • 3.1.3Achievement situations of verb phrases
      • 3.1.4Accomplishment situations of verb phrases
    • 3.2Grammatical aspectual marking
      • 3.2.1Indicative particle o⁴⁴ functioning as perfective and inchoative
      • 3.2.2Perfect or anterior marker ta³³
      • 3.2.3Progressive and durative marker ndʑɔ³³
      • 3.2.4Prospective aspect
        • 3.2.4.1Prospective marker mi⁴⁴ and mi⁴⁴ta³³
        • 3.2.4.2Volitive modality particles mo³³ and mo³³di⁴⁴
    • 3.3Summary
  • 4.Systematic description of the split word order in Nuosu Yi
    • 4.1The semantic and syntactic conditions of PAV word order
      • 4.1.1PAV used in the clauses with accomplishment-predicate
      • 4.1.2PAV used in the clauses with achievement-predicate
      • 4.1.3PAV used in the clauses with perfect aspect marker ta³³
    • 4.2The semantic and syntactic conditions of APV word order
      • 4.2.1APV used in the clauses with state predicates
      • 4.2.2APV used in the imperfective event clauses with the progressive aspect
      • 4.2.3APV used in the imperfective clauses with the modality and the illocutionary prospective
      • 4.2.4APV used in the sentences with negations of achievements and perfect phrases
      • 4.2.5APV used in the sentences which VPs end with a directional verb
    • 4.3The word order of complex constructions
    • 4.4Summary
  • 5.Reviewing on the previous accounts for the syntactic alignment PAV in Nuosu Yi
    • 5.1Interpreting the syntactic PAV as a passive structure
    • 5.2Interpreting the syntactic PAV as a topic structure
  • 6.Comparisons of the role-encoding within TB languages
    • 6.1The patterns of semantic role marking of TB languages
      • Pattern I: Languages using an obligatory agentive marker – ergative languages
      • Pattern II: Languages using dsm for pragmatic purpose – optional ergativity
      • Pattern III: Languages with dsm without ergativity – accusative languages
      • Pattern IV: Languages with dom only
      • Pattern V: Language with obligatory word order only – Nuosu Yi
    • 6.2Summary
  • 7.Conclusion and proposal
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • References
Published online: 30 July 2021
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.20011.hu
References
Andvik, Erik
(2003) Tshangla. In Graham Thurgood & Randy J. LaPolla (eds.), Routledge Language Family Series, The Sino-Tibetan Languages (pp.444).Google Scholar
Benedict, Paul K.
(1972) Sino-Tibetan: A conspectus. Matisoff, J. A. (ed.). Cambridge University Press. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Bickel, Balthasar
(2000) On the syntax of agreement in Tibeto-Burman. Studies in Language, 24(3), 583–610. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Bradley, David
(1997) Tibeto-Burman languages and classification. In David Bradley (ed), Tibeto-Burman languages of the Himalayas (pp.1–72). Papers in South East Asian linguistics, 14. Pacific Linguistics, Series A, 861.Google Scholar
(2002) The subgrouping of Tibeto-Burma. In Chistopher I. Beckwith (eds.), Medieval Tibeto-Burman Languages (pp.73–112). Brill.Google Scholar
(2003) Lisu. In Graham Thurgood and Randy J. LaPolla (eds.), Routledge Language Family Series, The Sino-Tibetan Languages (pp.226).Google Scholar
(2012) The characteristics of the Burmic family of Tibeto-Burman. Language and Linguistics, 13(1), 171–192/182.Google Scholar
Chelliah, Shobhanna L., & Gwendolyn Hyslop
(2011) Introduction to special issue on optional case marking in Tibeto-Burman. Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area, Volume 34.21, 1–7.Google Scholar
Chen, Qianrui
(2008) Hanyu timao de leixingxue shiye [A typological perspective of Chinese aspect]. Shangwu Yinshuguan [The Commercial Press].Google Scholar
Chen, Qianrui & Ya Hu
(2016) Ciwei he juwei ‘le’ de duogongneng moshi [The multifunctional model of Verb-final le and sentence-final le ]. Yuyan jiaoxue yu yanjiu [Language Teaching and Linguistic Studies], 41.Google Scholar
Chen, Shilin & S. M. Bian & X. Q. Li
(1985) Yiyu jianzhi [Introduction to Yi language]. Minzu chubanshe [Nationalities Press].Google Scholar
Comrie, Bernard
(1976) Aspect. Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar
(2005) Aspect. Peking University Press.Google Scholar
Coupe, Alexander R.
(2011) On core case marking patterns in two Tibeto-Burman languages of Nagaland. Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area, Volume 34.21, 21–47.Google Scholar
Dai, Qingxia
(1991) Zangmianyu shiwu zhong [Fifteen Tibeto-Burman languages]. Yanshan Chubanshe [Yanshan Press].Google Scholar
DeLancey, Scott
(2011) “Optional” “ergativity” in Tibeto-Burman languages. Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area, Volume 34.21, 9–20.Google Scholar
(2003) Lhasa Tibetan. In Graham Thurgood and Randy J. LaPolla (eds.), Routledge Language Family Series, The Sino-Tibetan Languages, (pp.274).Google Scholar
Dixon, R. M. W.
(1994) Ergativity. Cambridge University Press. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Dowty, D. R.
(1979) Word Meaning and Montague Grammar: The Semantics of Verbs and Times in Generative Semantics and Montague’s PTQ. Reidel. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Dryer, Matthew S.
(2008) Word order in Tibeto-Burman Languages. Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area, Volume 31.11.1–84.Google Scholar
Genett, Caroli
(2003) Dolakha Newari. In Graham Thurgood and Randy J. LaPolla (eds). Routledge Language Family Series, The Sino-Tibetan Languages (pp.358).Google Scholar
Gerner, Matthias
(2004) On a partial, strictly word-order based definition of grammatical relations in Liangshan Nuosu. Linguistics, 42(1), 109–154. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
(2008) Ambiguity-Driven Differential Object Marking in Yongren Lolo. Lingua, 118(3), 296–331. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
(2012) Differential Subject Marking in Nesu. Paper presented at the International Conference Syntax of the World’s Languages 5 .
(2013) Grammar of Nuosu. De Gruyter Mouton. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
(2014) Differential Subject Marking in Azhee. presented in workshop of Information Structure at Minzu University of China.
Haspelmath, Martin
(2005) Universals of differential case marking. Handout in LSA Institute, MIT, Course LSA. 2061.Google Scholar
Hoop, Helen de & Andrej Malchukov
(2008) Case marking strategies. Linguistic Inquiry, Vol.391, 565–587. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Hu, Suhua
(2002) Yiyu jiegou zhuci [The Structural Functional Particles of Yi]. Minzu chubanshe [Nationalities Press].Google Scholar
(2004) Liangshan Yiyu huati jiegou- Jianlun huati yu yuxu de guanxi [Topic structure in Liangshan Yi –– discussion on the relationship between topic structure and word order]. Minzu yuwen [Minority Languages], (3), 9–15.Google Scholar
(2005) Liangshan Yiyu beidongyi de biaoda fangshi [The expressions of passive meaning in Liangshan Yi]. Yuyan yanjiu [Languages Study], (4), 117–121.Google Scholar
(2010) Yiyu Nuosu hua de liandong jiegou [The serial verbs construction of Nuosu Yi]. Minzu yuwen [Minority Languages], (2), 23–30.Google Scholar
Hu, Suhua & Jing Zhao
(2015) Yiyu Nuosu hua de huati biaoji de gongneng ji qi huati leixing [Functions of different topic markers and patterns of topicality in Nuosu Yi]. Minzu Yuwen [Minority Languages], (2), 55–67.Google Scholar
Hu, Suhua & Tingsheng Zhou
(2018) Yiyu fangyan de shoushi ge biaoji ji xiaoju yuxu de leixing bijiao [Typological Comparison of Patient Marking and Basic Word Order in Yi Dialects]. Yuyan Kexue [Linguistic Sciences], (2), 160–72.Google Scholar
Hu, Suhua & Jing Zhao
(2019) Yiyu nuosu hua shuangjiwu ji qita sange lunyuan jiegou [Ditransitive constructions and the other three-argument constructions in Nuosu Yi]. Language and Linguistics, 20(3), 361–386.Google Scholar
Hu, Suhua
(2020) Yizu shishi <Hnewo Tepyy> yizhu ji yuyanxue yanjiu [The Glossing and Linguistic Study on the Epic < Hnewo Tepyy > of Nuosu Yi]. China Social Sciences Press.Google Scholar
Huang, Chenglong
(2010) Agentive and Other Markings in Qiang. Language and Linguistics, 11(2), 249–259.Google Scholar
Jenny, Mathias & San San Hnin Tun
(2013) Differential subject marking without ergativity: The case of colloquial Burmese. Studies in Language (Volume 371, pp.693–735). John Benjamins Publishing Company. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
JJiezie, Nipbbut & Aniu Muzhi
(eds) (2012) Folk Tale <Story of Lepggep Sysse> (in Nuosu Yi). Sichuan Ethnic Press.Google Scholar
Kokado, Norio
(2003) Liangshan Yiyu de beidongju [Passive sentences in Liangshan Yi]. Yuyan Yanjiu [Languages Study], (4), 118–24.Google Scholar
LaPolla, Randy J.
(1995) ‘Ergative marking’ in Tibeto-Burman. In Yoshio Nishi, James A. Matisoff and Yasuhiko Nagano (eds.), New Horizons in Tibeto-Burman Morphosyntax. Senri ethnological studies, No. 41. National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka.Google Scholar
(2003) ‘Overview of Sino-Tibetan morphosyntax’ In Graham Thurgood and Randy J. LaPolla (eds.), Routledge Langage Family Series, The Sino-Tibetan LanguagesGoogle Scholar
(2004) On Nominal Relational Morphology in Tibeto-Burman. In Ying-chin Lin, Fang-min Hsu, Chun-chih Lee and Jackson T.-S. Sun (eds), Language and Linguistics Monographs Series W-4, Studies on Sino-Tibetan Languages (pp.43–73). Academia Sinica.Google Scholar
Li, Min
(1984) Liangsha Yiyu beidongju he zhudongju [Passive sentences and active sentences in Liangshan Yi]. Xinan minzu xueyuan xuebao [Journal of Southwest College of Minority Ethnic Groups], (1), 71–79.Google Scholar
Lidz, Liberty A.
(2011) Agentive marking in Yongning Na (Mouo). Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area, Volume 34.21.Google Scholar
Liu, Danqing
(2014) Lun yuyan kucang de wujinqiyong yuanze [On the Maximum Utilization Principle of Language Inventory]. Zhongguo Yuwen [Studies of the Chinese Language], (5).Google Scholar
(2015a) Hanyu ji qinlin yuyan liandongshi de jufa diwei he xianhedu [The syntactic status and mightiness in Chinese and neighboring languages]. Minzu Yuwen [Minority Languages], (3), 3–22.Google Scholar
(2015b) Wuyu yu xibei fangyan shoushi qianzhi yuxu de leixing bijiao, [A Typological Comparison of the Patient-Preposing order between Wu and North western dialects]. Fangyan [Dialect], (5).Google Scholar
Ma, Weidong and Peng Muga
(eds) (1990) Folk Tale <Jjipshyt Mugat> (in Nuosu Yi). Sichuan Ethnic Press.Google Scholar
Malchukov, Andrej
(2008) Animacy and asymmetries in differential case marking. Lingua 1181, 203–221. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Matisoff, James A.
(2003) Lahu. In Graham Thurgood and Randy J. LaPolla (eds.), Routledge Language Family Series, The Sino-Tibetan Languages, (pp.208).Google Scholar
McGregor, William
(2009) Typology of ergativity. Language and linguistic Compass, 3(1), 480–508. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Palmer, Frank R.
(1994) Grammatical Roles and Relations. Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Peterson, David A.
(2011) Core participant marking in Khumi. Linguistics of the Tibeto- Burman Area, Volume 34.21: 21–47.Google Scholar
Siewierska, Anna
(1988) Word order rules. Croom Helm.Google Scholar
Silverstein, Michael
(1976) Hierarchy of Features and Ergativity. In Dixon, R. M. W. (ed.), Grammatical Categories in Australian Languages (pp.112–171). Australian National University.Google Scholar
Simpson, Andrew and Hao Tam Ho
(2008) The Comparative Syntax of Passive Structures in Chinese and Vietnamese. In Marjorie K. M. Chan and Hana Kang (eds.), Proceedings of the 20th North American Conference on Chinese Linguistics (NACCL-20), (Volume 21, pp.825–841). The Ohio State University.Google Scholar
Smith, Carlota S.
(1991) The Parameter of Aspect. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, Studies in Linguistics and Philosophy, vol. 431. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Swart, H. De
(2017) Aspectual Composition and Recursion. In Joanna Blaszczak, Anastasia Giannakidou, Dorota Klimek-Jankowska and Krzysztof Migdalski (eds.), Mood, Aspect, Modality Revisited: New Answers to Old Questions. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Suzuki, Hiroyuki
(2012) Ergative marking in Nyagrong-Minyag (Xinlong, Sichuan). Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area, Volume 35.11. 35–48.Google Scholar
Takeuchi, Tsuguhito and Yoshiharu Takahashi
(1995) Split Ergative Patterns in Transitive and Intransitive Sentences in Tibetan: a Reconsideration. In Yoshio Nishi, James A. Matisoff and Yasuhiko Nagano (eds.), New Horizons in Tibeto-Burman Morphosyntax. Senri Ethnological Studies, No. 41. National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka.Google Scholar
Teo, Amos
(2012) Sumi agentive and topic markers: No and ye. Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area, 35(1), 49–74.Google Scholar
Tournadre, Nicolas
(1995) Tibetan Ergativity and Trajectory Model. In Yoshio Nishi, James A. Matisoff and Yasuhiko Nagano (eds.), New Horizons in Tibeto-Burman Morphosyntax. Senri Ethnological Studies, No. 41. National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka.Google Scholar
Vendler, Z.
(1967) Linguistics in Philosophy. Cornell University Press. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Whaley, Lindsay J.
(2009) An Introduction to Language Typology: The Unity and Diversity of Language. Shijie tushu chubanshe [World Book Press].Google Scholar
Zhu, Wenxu & Jing Zhang
(2004) Yiyu beidong jushi yanjiu [Passive constructions of Yi language]. Yuyan yanjiu [Languages Study], (3), 119–126.Google Scholar