Reconstructable Main Clause Functions Of Proto-Bantu Applicative * -Ɪd

Abstract

This chapter presents evidence in favour of reconstructing at least three mainclause-level functions of the Proto-Bantu (PB) applicative *-ɪd: (i) the introduction of a semantic role which cannot be expressed otherwise with an underived verb root; (ii) the focalisation of a constituent with a Location related semantic role (most commonly General Location of the event); and (iii) the addition of aspectual and semantic nuances of completeness, iterativity or thoroughness to the meaning of the verb root. With respect to the syntactic function in (i) evidence is provided in favour of the hypothesis that PB *-ɪd introduced a Spatial/Goal or Location argument and that this function later extended to Human Goals and Beneficiaries. Finally, the chapter establishes possible diachronic relations among the three reconstructed functions of *-ɪd.