The Structure of Determiner Phrases in Saho
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Date
2008-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study deals with the syntax of determiner phrases in Saho in light of
the Minimalist Program. It tries Lo show the internal constituents and
derivations of Saho determiner phrases.
It attempts to describe noun inflections such as number gender,
singulative and case markers of Saho. The order of constituents within
each type of DP and the morphological properties has been examined.
All elements of DP precede the head noun.
The study identifies that Saho does not have visible affIx to show
indefiniteness. However, definiteness is expressed by the definite article
/ amay / 'the'. The definite article, demonstratives and adjectives do not
agree with the head noun in number, gender and case. The possessorpossessed
relationship in this language is not morphologically marked.
The study idenlifies four types of relalivi2ations. These are subjecL,
direct object, indirect object and possessive relativizations. In all cases,
the head noun appears in final position.
Finally, the derivations of determiner phrases with vanous internal
constituents have been shown. The derivation involves head movement.
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Keywords
Determiner Phrases