In this thesis the nature of argument structure in the Navajo sentence is identified, with particular focus on the complex system of incorporated pronouns, and anaphora and obviation in the language. It is argued that Navajo is a pronominal argument language, where arguments are incorporated pronouns, while nominals are adjuncts. Descriptions of syntactic devices for marking co- and disjoint reference of arguments, within the simple clause, across the clauses in complex sentences, and in discourse contexts are given. These devices include: the yi/bi- alternation, which I identify as a voice contrast confined to sentences with all third person arguments; the "fourth" person, used for obviation and for deference, and the parallel processing convention.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/185691 |
| Date | January 1991 |
| Creators | Willie, MaryAnn. |
| Contributors | Jelinek, Eloise, Demers, Richard A., Zepeda, Ofelia, Young, Robert W., Roemer, Elizabeth |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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