The structure of complement clauses in Lunda

Abstract

This paper provides a functional and descriptive study of complement clauses in Lunda, a language spoken in Zambia. While the structure of infinitival complement clauses is analogous to that found in many languages, other types of complement clauses present unique morpho syntactic features. Some dependent constructions are introduced by complementizers which agree in person and number with the subject of the main clause. These complementizers derive from personal possessive pronouns rather than from the verb of saying, as is the case in some Bantu languages, and they have other functions besides introducing embedded clauses. Other clauses disallow complementizers and the verb shows no temporal reference, coding either the perfect or progressive aspect. The interpretation of time in such clauses is dependent on that of the main clause.

Keywords

• Lunda
• complement clauses
• complementizer agreement
• complementation