The case for fewer cases in pre-chukotko-kamchatkan: Grammaticalization and semantics in internal reconstruction

<p>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).</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English Language and Literature

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Wdzenczny, Dibella

Contributors dc:contributor

• Anthony Aristar, PhD, Chair
• Verónica Grondona, PhD
• Sarah Thomason, PhD (University of Michigan)

• Chukotko-Kamchatkan
• reconstruction
• historical linguistics
• morphology
• Linguistics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/333

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1333