William McGregor Knihy

This book deals with systems of verb classification in Australian Aboriginal languages, with particular focus on languages of the north-west. It proposes a typology of the systems according to their main formal and semantic characteristics. It also makes some proposals concerning the historical origins and grammaticisation of these systems, and suggestions regarding the grammatical relations involved. In addition, an attempt is made to situate the phenomenon of verb classification within the context of related verbal phenomena such as serial verb constructions, nominal incorporation, and complex predicates.

A fresh and contemporary introductory textbook for all students of linguistics and language studies. >

Preface. Map of Kimberley Languages. William Introduction. Part 1: Descriptive Studies in Kimberley Aboriginal Languages. Kate Yulparija sketch grammar. Anthony Rex Kukatja botanical terms and concepts. David Pronominal clitic variation in the Yapa some historical speculations. Alan On some relationships among person, number and mode in Bunuba. Stephen Powell Pronouns and the elsewhere principle William The pronominal system of Goonoyandi and Bumbuba. Bronwyn The top ten Nyulnyulan verb further evidence for language classification. Wilfred H. Alphabetising Bardi. Chester S. Tense, aspect and mood in Murrinh-Patha. Michael Nouns and a category squsih in Murrinh-Patha (Northern Australia). Part 2: Textual Studies Ray The nature and interpretation of Aboriginal song the case of Nulru. Erich Aboriginal world view and oral the case of myth versus history. Peter The structures of narrative and dream in northern Australia.

Phonetics, morphology and syntax of Nyulnyul a non-Pama-Nyungan language, one of the Nyulnyulan family, from Beagle Bay in West Kimberley Western Australia