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University of North Dakota

A Role and Reference account of information structure in Somali

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This thesis is a study of focus structure in Somali within the framework of Role and Reference Grammar (RRG). Focus is an important phenomenon in Somali, and this thesis investigates the different types of focus which occur in Somali, the effects of the focus markers on other features in the language, and the interaction between syntax and focus structure. Data on Somali focus structure was collected in consultation with three native speakers of Somali, and also gathered from previous research on the Somali Language. Although word order in Somali is relatively free, focus structure is correspondingly rigid, a finding which supports the RRG hypothesis that syntax and focus structure adapt to each other as necessary.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts (MA)
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Linguistics
Year
2001

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Girard, Jennifer
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Stephen A. Marlett

Subjects

dc:subject × 1

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://commons.und.edu/theses/957
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:commons.und.edu:theses-1959

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of North Dakota
Base URL
commons.und.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Girard, Jennifer. A Role and Reference account of information structure in Somali. Thesis thesis, 2001. https://commons.und.edu/theses/957