Edited by Roberto Zariquiey, Masayoshi Shibatani and David W. Fleck
[Typological Studies in Language 124] 2019
► pp. 363–390
In this paper, we investigate the uses of the clausal nominalizer =ti in Yurakaré, a linguistic isolate spoken in Bolivia. Clauses nominalized with =ti can serve a variety of functions: filling an argument position, relativization, forming the complement of a complement-taking verb, and expressing adverbial modification. On the basis of synchronic spoken corpus data, we propose a grammaticalization path for =ti. We argue that its most plausible source is the demonstrative ati, thus suggesting that =ti is a demonstrative-based nominalizer. Further, we show that =ti has developed a range of insubordinate uses, indicating ‘intersubjective commitment’. We propose that from there, =ti is currently on its way toward becoming a stance marker, contrasting with other clause-final enclitics of Yurakaré.