Clefts in Durban Zulu

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that cle s in Zulu have a bipartite structure: a copular sentence with an adjoined DP/clause. is structure accounts for the prosody of cle s. Each constituent is parsed into a separate Intonation Phrase by the independently motivated phrasing algorithm of Zulu. It also accounts for the syntactic properties of Zulu cle s. We further argue that the nature of agreement in Zulu copular sentences support a pronominal predicate analysis.

A Dynamic Syntax modelling of Japanese and Rangi clefts: parsing incrementality and the growth of interpretation

“…Our analysis reflects the observed parallels between clefts and relatives which have been noted in a number of Bantu languages (e.g., , Cheng & Downing 2013. In DS terms, as in the analysis of relative clauses, the focal interpretation in clefts is expressed via a pair of LINKed trees, where the content of a focus is required to be present in the emergent tree by imposing a term-sharing requirement.…”

“…As was also seen for Japanese in Section 4.1, Rangi clefts are analysed as involving a LINK relation between the trees which host the information provided by the focus and the presupposition clause. This parsing strategy stems from the observed cross-language parallels between clefts and relatives , Cheng & Downing 2013, as well as reflecting the focus effects associated with clefs. also model clefts in siSwati (a Bantu language spoken in Southern Africa) by recourse to LINK.…”

Indefinite subjects in Durban Zulu

“…Cheng & Downing (2012),Morimoto (2000), van derWal (2009), andZerbian (2006) provide detailed discussion of other Bantu languages where wh-questions on subjects and their answers must be clefted. SeeCheng & Downing (2013) for a syntactic analysis of the structure of Zulu clefts. Note that the copula in these clefted sentences has no segmental realization.…”