Beyond Time - Linguistics - University of California, Berkeley

Noun Subject
Class Marker
1(a) -mu-
2(a) ´-ba-
3 ´-u-
4 ´-i-
5 ´-li-
6 ´-a-
7 ´-chi-
8 ´-zi-
9 ´-i-
10 ´-zi-
11 ´-lu-
12 ´-ka-
13 ´-tu-
14 ´-bu-
15 (´-ku-)
16 -wô
17 -kô
18 -mô
refl ´-li-
Table 2.22: Totela noun class object markers
Hyman (2007a) categorizes the functions of verbal extensions in Niger-Congo as follows:
(51) Niger-Congo extension functions (Hyman 2007a:149)
a. increase valence: causative, benefactive, dative, instrumental, locative, etc.
b. decrease valence: passive, reciprocal, stative, middle, etc.
c. (re-)orient action: reversive, directionals (goal/source, towards/from speaker),
etc.
d. mark aspect: pluractional, inchoative, resultative, perfective/imperfective, etc.
Schadeberg (2003) reconstructs a number of extensions in Proto-Bantu. These are given
in table 2.23.
The forms and meanings of a number of extensions in Totela are discussed briefly below.
In many cases, several of the productive extensions may appear in one word. When this
occurs, the extensions are generally, but not always, ordered following the CARP (Causative-
Applicative-Reciprocal-Passive) template proposed in Hyman (2003b). Some of the possible
combinations are shown in the discussions of particular extensions below. Extensions are
relevant for the discussion of tense and aspect in that they can affect situation type and
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