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Predicates and Pronominal Arguments in Straits Salish

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2026

Eloise Jelinek  and
Richard A. Demers
Eloise Jelinek*
Affiliation:
The University of Arizona
Richard A. Demers
Affiliation:
The University of Arizona
*
Department of Linguistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 [jelineke@ccit.arizona.edu]
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Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of the syntax of Straits Salish, according to which these languages lack a noun/verb contrast at the word level. Main clauses consist of an initial predicate, minimally containing a lexical root, a functional head where valence [± TRANSITIVE:] is marked, and possibly a pronominal suffix marking an internal argument. The predicate is followed by a second position clitic string of inflectional elements, the subject pronoun and tense. Determiner phrases are derived subordinate structures, adjuncts to the main clause. We present evidence against a copular verb analysis as further substantiation of the lack of a noun/verb distinction at the lexical level. We identify certain properties of quantified contexts in Straits Salish which provide important evidence for our analysis of argument structure.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Language , Volume 70 , Issue 4 , December 1994 , pp. 697 - 736
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 by the Linguistic Society of America

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