The numeral system(s) in Western Serengeti – formal, functional and historical inferences
The numeral system(s) in Western Serengeti – formal, functional and historical inferences
Author(s): Rasmus Bernander, Antti O. Laine, Lotta AunioSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Morphology, Lexis, Comparative Linguistics, Descriptive linguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Bantu; Mara; numerals; numeral system; reconstruction
Summary/Abstract: In this study we offer a detailed synchronic and diachronic account of the hitherto un(der)-documented numeral systems of the four closely related (Eastern) Bantu language varieties:Ikoma, Nata, Ishenyi, and Ngoreme – together forming the Western Serengeti subgroup.We describe the essentially identical formation and organization of numerals in theselanguage varieties while also noting the morphosyntactic behaviour of numeral expressionsand their extended uses. Based on an extensive quantity of comparative data, wefurthermore disentangle the historical background to the numerals and their systematizationin Western Serengeti, connecting this specific linguistic domain with the wider genealogicalprofile of this subgroup.
Journal: Studies in African Languages and Cultures
- Issue Year: 2020
- Issue No: 54
- Page Range: 35-70
- Page Count: 35
- Language: English