Dative applicative elements in Arusa (Maa): Acanonical approach to the argument-adjunct distinction

Abstract

The present paper analyzes the degree of the argumenthood or adjuncthood of elements licensed by the dative applicative (DA) construction in Arusa within a canonical approach to the argument-adjunct distinction. After testing DA elements for the various criteria and diagnostics associated with the typologically-driven prototype of arguments and adjuncts, the authors conclude the following: in most cases, DA elements behave as canonical arguments and are therefore located close to the argumenthood pole of the argument-adjunct continuum.

Keywords

• maa(sai)
• arguments
• adjuncts
• canonical typology
• cognitive linguistics