Gensler, Orin (Professor)Wondimu, Henok2019-02-062023-11-082019-02-062023-11-082010-10http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/16273This study is about the grammaticalization of the affirmative copula forms -tte and -kko within a single genetic unit, the Ometo languages. The main objective was to identify, describe, and explain the grammaticalization processes and paths taken by the morphemes. The data on the morphemes were collected from grammars, dictionaries, and texts of the respective languages. The collected data were then analyzed within the framework of the theory of grammaticalization. The result of the analysis shows that the morphemes have developed from existential verbs and have further evolved into focus markers in some languages of the sub-group. The developmental path taken by the forms is: Existential + Agr locative copula Copula focusencopula forms -tte and -kko withina single genetic unit, the Ometo languagesThesis