Studies in African Linguistics (Apr 1989)

Morphologically based agreement in Swahili

  • Karl H. Reynolds,
  • Carol M. Eastman

DOI
https://doi.org/10.32473/sal.v20i1.107456
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 1

Abstract

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In this paper we argue that to a great extent noun class agreement in Swahili is based on inflectional features. Yet where inflectional features are not present, a derivational feature of inherent noun class controls agreement. Swahili, then, is seen as having a dual noun class system in which agreement is controlled by a hierarchical set of features ranging from inflectional to derivational. The evidence from Swahili indicates that Anderson's [1982] claim that inflectional morphology alone is relevant to syntax may be too strong and supports a weaker version admitting some interaction of derivational morphology with syntax.

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