Extraposition and optionality: an investigation of information packaging in Paarl-Kaaps

Presently, (Paarl-) Kaaps is an under-documented linguistic system. This applies to all levels of language, including syntax, which is the focus of this study. In particular, this dissertation aims to investigate the phenomenon of extraposition, which is the displacement of constituents from their canonical position in the middle of the clause, to the right of the verb. Importantly, extraposition represents one area in which grammar seems to permit some optionality, as both extraposed and non-extraposed structures are frequently grammatical. Grammatical and information packaging properties are considered as factors conditioning extraposition. A major strength of this dissertation is that it considers actual cases of extraposition in a spoken corpus of Paarl-Kaaps, as well as cases where extraposition was (im-)possible. In other words, a three-way distinction is made between actual cases of extraposition, cases in which extraposition would still yield a grammatical expression, and cases in which extraposition would have resulted in ungrammaticality. Viewing the data in this way highlights the optionality in grammar. Furthermore, this dissertation also aims to determine how extraposition can be used by speakers as a variable to construct their identity depending on the nature of their relationship with the interlocutor.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of the Western Cape

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Smith, Lawren Hayley

• Paarl
• Afrikaaps
• Paarl-Kaaps
• Extraposition
• Word Order Variation

Licence

• https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/bitstreams/9b65cd66-300b-4c27-893c-7bf55a525688/download