The form and function of bridging constructions in Eibela discourse

Grant Aiton

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    Abstract

    Discourse in Eibela utilizes extensive repetition and summarization of events asa means of bridging discourse episodes. These bridging constructions consist of a main reference clause at the end of a unit of discourse, which is immediately referenced by a non-main bridging clause at the commencement of the following unit of discourse. Bridging clauses may be formed by medial clauses initiating a clause chain, and topic clauses that are embedded within another medial or final clause. Differing units of discourse are often accompanied by differing forms of bridging construction, with clause chain boundaries featuring verbatim repetition of clauses, and larger paragraphs being bound by bridging clauses utilizing anaphoric predicates. Bridging constructions have been previously shown to serve various functions in Papuan languages, including thematic continuity, reference tracking, and event sequencing, which will also be illustrated in the current discussion of bridging constructions in Eibela.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationBridging constructions
    Editors Valérie Guérin
    Place of PublicationGermany
    PublisherLanguage Science Press
    Pages157-184
    Edition1
    ISBN (Print)978-3-96110-141-2
    Publication statusPublished - 2019

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The form and function of bridging constructions in Eibela discourse'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this