YUKAGHIR (KOLYMA)
SUMMARY
Kolyma Yukaghir has distinct converbs, i.e. non-finite verb forms heading syntactically subordinate clauses. Some of these are same-subject (SS) converbs, which require coreference between the subject of the converbial clause and the subject of the superordinate clause. SS-converbs are also licensed by two subjects which are in a part-whole relation with each other but which do not strictly corefer. In such constructions, the subject expressing the part must be overtly coded for possession with a possessive suffix. Possessors controlling this suffix cannot be separated from the possessed noun, providing evidence that they form a constituent.
See also Altai, Bashkir, Forest Enets, Karaim, Khalkha Mongolian, Khanty (Eastern), Khanty (Northern), Kirghiz, Old Turkic, Shor, Tundra Enets, Tundra Nenets, Turkish, Tuvan (Altai), Tuvan (Jungar), Tuvan (Todža), Udmurt, Uyghur, Uzbek, Yukaghir (Tundra).
LANGUAGE PROFILE
EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF PIPS
- Possessed nouns are marked with suffixes indicating their possessor, and this may be the only expression of the possessor within the noun phrase.
- Case-marking indicating the grammatical function of phrase follows possessive morphology that cross-references the possessor.
- Prominent possessors are always cross-referenced on the possessed noun.
- Overt prominent possessors cannot be separated from the possessed noun by clausal material.
KEY SOURCES
Maslova, Elena (ed.). 2001.Yukaghir texts. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz.
Maslova, Elena. 2003. A grammar of Kolyma Yukaghir. Berlin: de Gruyter.
