Reflexive, reciprocal and emphatic functions in Barunga Kriol

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter describes the reflexive, reciprocal and adverbial emphatic markers mijelp, gija and miself in Barunga Kriol, the variety of the Australian Kriol spoken in Beswick/Wugularr (Top End, Northern Territory, Australia). These markers are interesting because their distribution has evolved in recent years, resulting in further and neater distinctions. Firstly, a typologically rare distinction between two types of reciprocals has emerged, where transitive verbs and " semi-transitive " verbs receive distinct reciprocal marking. This distinction could result from contact with other Kriol varieties, and represents an interesting pattern of contact-induced change, where no actual form or function is borrowed from the source language. Secondly, the reflexive and emphatic markers, which were originally quasi-identical, have evolved to become two (or more) well-differentiated items. Based on the analysis of these markers, this chapter examines the ways in which a creole can develop new categories, and questions the principles underlying these developments. Contact with neighbouring varieties of Kriol, as well as late substrate reinforcement, appear to have played a role in these innovations. In addition, this case study indicates that Kriol varieties can be influenced not only by their immediate substrates, but also by other Australian languages within a broader contact area, via contact between varieties.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLoss and Renewal: Australian Languages Since Colonisation
EditorsFelicity Meakins, Carmel O'Shannessy
PublisherDe Gruyter Mouton
Pages297-332
Number of pages36
Volume13
ISBN (Electronic)9781501501036
ISBN (Print)9781614518877, 9781614518792
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameLanguage Contact and Bilingualism
Volume13

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