The reconstruction of Nyulnyulan complex predication

Abstract

I discuss comparative systems of light verbs and event classification in Nyulnyulan (Non-Pama-Nyungan) languages from a historical perspective. I describe the difficulties for reconstructing light verb structures for Proto-Nyulnyulan, despite their appearance in all eight Nyulnyulan daughter languages. The complex predicate systems for three well-attested languages are described in detail. Problems for reconstruction arise in three areas. First, while all Nyulnyulan languages exhibit classificatory light verbs, the classification systems differ between languages (even between otherwise closely related languages). Secondly, the syntax of the light verb constructions differs markedly, and there is not enough information to determine which languages have innovated. Thirdly, while the preverbal material is cognate amongst the languages, the number of items which are cognate as preverbs is quite small (preverbs being recruited productively from other word classes in some languages). Thus despite enticing similarities amongst the languages, reconstruction of the details is elusive. Show more