On relative clauses and related constructions in Yaqui

This paper examines the form and function of relative clauses in Yaqui. Two major types of relative clauses are identified, subject relatives marked by -me and non-subject relatives marked by -’u. Additionally, there are three structure types which closely resemble relative units: ‘non-restrictive’ relative clauses, the nominalized complement of certain matrix predicates, and the complement of a seem-like verb. Based on the assumption that nominalization is a gradient phenomenon (Comrie & Thompson 2007; Koptjevskaja-Tamm 1993), it is proposed that Yaqui relative clauses establish different points inside the continuum, i.e. from clauses genuinely modifying a referential element to different degrees of clausal nominalization governed by a main predicate. Functionally, it is shown that true relatives introduce or further establish new information into discourse, whereas non-modifying nominal clauses serve as either appositive units (Keenan 1985; Carlson 1977), or as a core argument. Keywords: relative clauses; nominalization; complementation; Yaqui; UtoAztecan

Published online: 20 September 2012
https://doi.org/10.1075/tsl.102.05gue