Date Approved
2011
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department or School
English Language and Literature
Committee Member
Anthony Aristar, PhD, Chair
Committee Member
Verónica Grondona, PhD
Committee Member
Sarah Thomason, PhD (University of Michigan)
Abstract
This work internally reconstructs the case system of Pre-Chukotko-Kamchatkan from the comparative reconstruction of Proto-Chukotko-Kamchatkan. Using the comparative and etymological dictionaries by Fortescue (2005), Mudrak (2000), and Zhukova & Kurebito (2004), I demonstrate that in many instances, groups of cases in Proto-Chukotko-Kamchatkan have developed from a single case. I outline the paths of grammaticalization that led to the expanded case system in Proto-Chukotko- Kamchatkan, and I use semantic typology to support the plausibility of these developments. Examples of similar phenomena in other language families are used for comparison as well. I conclude that six grammatical cases (and a more regular case system) can be reconstructed in Pre-Chukotko-Kamchatkan, which has evolved and expanded into the comparatively reconstructed system of eleven cases in Proto- Chukotko-Kamchatkan presented in Fortescue (2005).
Recommended Citation
Wdzenczny, Dibella, "The case for fewer cases in pre-chukotko-kamchatkan: Grammaticalization and semantics in internal reconstruction" (2011). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 333.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/333