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The sigmatic perfect 𗭪 sji2 in Tangut and its grammaticalization

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Abstract
The Tangut verbal suffix 𗭪 sji2 functions as both a nominalizer and a tense-aspect-modality-evidentiality (TAME) marker, of which the latter is controversially analyzed as either Perfective or Inferential evidential. Based on a detailed philological investigation, it is argued that the primary TAME function of 𗭪 sji2 is Perfect, from which it is grammaticalized to Immediate Future, and is thus compatible with the proper Future marker 𗗟 ˑjij1. In either case, the Inferential reading as previously noted is merely a natural semantic extension, while other evidential sources and accesses may also be involved. Finally, comparisons with the Inferential suffixes in modern Gyalrongic languages suggests a more complicated history of the sigmatic verbal suffix.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1A glimpse into Tangut TAME morphology
    • 1.2Defining the key concepts
  • 2.Perfective or inferential: A review of previous analyses
  • 3.Tangut sji2 as a Perfect marker
    • 3.1Problems of the Inferential analysis
    • 3.2Sigmatic Perfect and other Perfect(ive) markings
      • 3.2.1Perfective prefixes and Class III verbs
      • 3.2.2Auxiliary A𗬬 djij2, B𘓭 dji2 ‘ever’
  • 4.Grammaticalization of the sigmatic Perfect
    • 4.1Rationalizing the Inferential reading
    • 4.2Compatibility with the future
  • 5.Concluding remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • List of abbreviations
  • References
References (72)
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