The Syntactic Function of the Yi-/Bi - Alternation in Jicarilla Apache
Sandoval Merton.
University of Arizona; 38 p.In this paper I will be concerned with the syntax and semantic of the yi-/bi- alternation in Jicarilla Apache. A good introduction to some of the questions that arise concerning this construction can be found in the following passage from Chomsky (1981, pp 120-121): '. consider the passive like construction in Navajo, with such examples as (10):
— (10) horse mule yi-kicked
— horse mule bi-kicked
— man horse yi-kicked
— man horse bi-kickedThe bi-forms look like lexical passives, but a curious pattern of unacceptability and ungrammaticality apperas in other ccases.
— (10) horse mule yi-kicked
— horse mule bi-kicked
— man horse yi-kicked
— man horse bi-kickedThe bi-forms look like lexical passives, but a curious pattern of unacceptability and ungrammaticality apperas in other ccases.