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- Language Family: Gur
- Topic #1: Focus
- Topic #2: Discourse
Phrasal identificational and contrastive focus in Dagbani
This paper examines the morpho-syntactic properties of phrasal identificational and contrastive focus in Dagbani, a Gur language. I show that ka and n can be used to encode phrasal identificational and contrastive focus. I argue that whilst the use of ka in encoding contrastive focus invariably involves an overt leftward movement of the focused constituent, the use of the n particle involves a covert movement. I further show that the focused constituents have demarcated syntactic slots they occupy within the sentence structure hypothesised to be the specifier position of the focus phrase located in the left periphery of the clausal structure. Constituents focused by ka and n are proposed to have contrastive information.I also show that the choice of ka or n is controlled by the grammatical role of the constituent that is focused; whilst ka focuses non-subject constituents and adjuncts, n focuses subject constituents. I conclude that Dagbani has overt contrastive focus marking with case differentiation.
Cet article traite des propriétés morphosyntaxiques du focus en dagbani, une langue du Gur, relatives à son identification syntagmatique et contrastive. Il montre notamment que ka et n peuvent s’utiliser pour encoder le focus pour son identification syntagmatique et contrastive. Selon l’analyse, l’utilisation de ka dans l’encodage du focus contrastif implique invariablement un mouvement visible vers la gauche des constitués focalisés alors que l’utilisation de la particule n implique un mouvement invisible. Il démontre en outre que les constituants focalisés entraînent la démarcation des points d’ancrage syntactiques qu’ils occupent au sein de la structure de la phrase considérée comme la position du spécificateur du syntagme focalisé située dans la périphérie gauche de la structure propositionnelle. L’auteur propose que les constituants focalisés par ka et n contiennent une information contrastive. Il démontre également que le choix de ka ou de n est contrôlé par le rôle grammatical du constituant focalisé ; ka focalise les constituants qui ne sont pas sujets ainsi que les adjonctions tandis que n focalise les constituants sujets. Il conclut que le dagbani fait usage du focus contrastif visible avec la différentiation de cas.