On the origins of the possessive markers in Central Pacific languages

Lynch, John D. (1997) On the origins of the possessive markers in Central Pacific languages. Oceanic Linguistics, 36 (2). pp. 227-246. ISSN 0029-8115

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Abstract

This paper's original impetus was to attempt to find the morphosyntactic origins of the well-known Polynesian o and a possessive-markers, and the origins of the phonologically and grammatically similar Rotuman markers ?o and ?e. In exploring these origins, some contribution is made to the development of the Oceanic possessive system in Proto-Central Pacific as a whole, and especially within the Fiji dialect chain. In particular, evidence is adduced to suggest that the Polynesian and Rotuman systems resemble those of Kadavu and Gone Dau more than those of Lau, and that this suggests that Geraghty's (1983) Tokalau-Polynesian hypothesis may require some reassessment.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE) > Pacific Languages Unit
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	27 Aug 1997 22:22
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2012 22:22
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/5201

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