Additive Focus and Additional Functions of Karbi (Tibeto-Burman) =tā1

Abstract

<p>This study examines different functions of the enclitic =t<span>ā </span>in Karbi with the goal to contribute to a cross-linguistic typology of additive focus markers. Karbi =tā translates as the English additive particle ‘also,’ but additionally occurs in at least five other constructions, as laid out in this paper. Specifically, the data show that besides 1) marking additive focus, =tā may 2) function as a coordinator, or 3) indicate the scalar additive meaning ‘even.’ Through that function =tā also appears to be part of concessive conjunctions. Furthermore, =tā functions 4) to mark universal quantification. Perhaps related to this latter function, =tā occurs seemingly just idiomatically with certain adverbs. Attaching to verbs, this enclitic occurs 5) in a copy verb construction that seems to have an intensifying function. Finally and most intriguingly, =tā functions 6) as a discourse structuring device.</p>

Core case-marking and related phenomena in South Central Tibeto-Burman (Kuki-Chin)

“…A further element which commonly occurs in SC languages and could easily be mistaken for a case marker of some sort, is a marker of what Konnerth (2012) terms additive focus. Such elements often have a central meaning comparable to 'also' or 'too', but they are also used to confer a sense of focal emphasis to an associated noun phrase.…”

The Trans-Himalayan Copula #ni and its Secondary Functions

“…Further grammaticalization of #ni as an information structure marker Another type of evidence for copular #ni, still less direct than the evidence discussed in §3, is found in the form of Information Structure Markers (ISM's). All Tibeto-Burman languages have ISM's which follow all other clitics and postpositions at the end of the noun phrase; see for example Konnerth (2014); Boro (2021). These are an important part of the grammar of any Tibeto-Burman language, but they are often neglected in linguistic descriptions.…”

The many functions of Cuzco Quechua =<i>pas</i>: implications for the semantic map of additivity

“…A closer look reveals, however, that it is not entirely clear that they do not. Konnerth (2012) explicitly states that Karbi disallows NP coordination with the additive marker =tā, but she also describes uses of this marker as a bisyndetic coordinator for verb phrases and clauses. Thus, if we include constituents other than NPs, Karbi conforms to (69).…”