Differential indexing in Kamang: a viewpoint alternation

Area of Science:

• Linguistics
• Language documentation
• Austronesian languages

Background:

• Kamang, an Alor-Pantar language of Indonesia, exhibits differential argument indexing.
• This phenomenon involves verb alternations between prefixed and unprefixed forms, affecting argument indexing.
• Previous analyses linked this alternation to increased patientivity in specific verb types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the alternation between prefix series and zero-marking in Kamang verbs.
• To analyze the alternation in terms of event view, moving beyond patientivity.
• To explore the semantic and syntactic implications of this linguistic feature.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing a spoken-language corpus of Kamang.
• Analysis of verb alternations focusing on the contrast between prefixed and unprefixed forms.
• Comparison with cross-linguistic constructions like resultatives and middles.

Main Results:

• The alternation signifies a shift in event perspective: unprefixed verbs present holistic events.
• Prefixed verbs shift the viewpoint to the 'elaboration phase' (middle/end of an event).
• Elaboration constructions correlate with resultative/completive semantics and greater argument affectedness.

Conclusions:

• The Kamang verb alternation is best understood as a change in event construal.
• This feature is associated with lexical restrictions, similar to other languages.
• The study contributes to understanding argument indexing and event semantics in under-documented languages.