Repetition and irritation emphasis in Bafut
Issue Date:
2012
Publisher:
West African Linguistic Society
Is Part Of Series:
Journal of West African Languages 39(1)
Extent:
Abstract:
Demonstratives in Bafut not only indicate the distance of the referent from the speaker or hearer, but also distinguish between unmarked forms and those marked as particular, highlighted or contrastive. These four forms may be arranged pragmatically on a scale of emphasis, which tends to correspond to the number of repetitions the speaker has been obliged to make or the degree of irritation felt by the speaker. Thus, the marked form as 'particular' tends to be used in connection with a first repetition, the highlighting form with a second, and the contrastive form with a third.
Description:
The aim of this paper is to examine the role of demonstratives within the reference system of Bafut. It first describes how different forms not only indicate relative distance from the speaker and hearer, but also mmay be marked as particular, highlighting or contrastive. It then suggests that, in connection with repetition or irritation, the marked demonstratives may convey differing degrees of emphasis.
Publication Status:
Published
Country:
Cameroon
Subject Languages:
Content Language:
Field:
Work Type:
Nature of Work:
Entry Number:
53623