Beyond Time - Linguistics - University of California, Berkeley

ZT, the bare infinitive is used, while in NT, the form is SM-INF-root-FV.
(98) a. . . . bakulyata halukungwe
. . . ba-ku-lyat-a ha-lukungwe
. . . 3pl-inf-step.on-fv cl16(loc)-cl11.snake
‘. . . then they stepped on a snake’ (adapted from Dahl 1985:Q172) (NT2007)
b. kùkàsìkàmó mùchìòlè
. . . ku-ka-sik-a-mo
mu-chiole
. . . inf-dist-arrive-fv-cl18(loc) cl18(loc)-cl7.forest
‘. . . then they arrived in the forest’ (ZT2009NarrA7.GS.16, Fumako).
For more on narrative forms and their uses within texts, see chapter 7.
2.5 Typological interest
Totela is of typological interest for a number of reasons, not least because it belongs to a
highly underdescribed part of Bantu. Data from Totela and languages like it have much to
add to studies in Bantu and historical linguistics, which in turn can contribute to historical
and anthropological knowledge in general. Of particular interest anthropologically is the
Totela knowledge and vocabulary of ironwork, for which they were renowned. 30
Additionally, Totela is remarkable for its anticipatory tone system. Hyman (2007b:5; 18ff)
notes that unlike perseverative (rightward) tone shifting or spreading, which is common and
phonetically “natural”, leftward tonal anticipation is typologically rare and “unnatural”.
Several languages related to Totela, such as Tonga, also have anticipatory tone spreading,
but none seems as regular and pervasive as the system in Totela. Thus, the language provides
an excellent case study of tonal interactions a fully grammaticalized system of anticipatory
tone shift.
Zambian and Namibian Totela together provide an outstanding environment for comparative
studies of language contact and language change. The two varieties have the same
name and are geographically proximate, but, as seen above, are vastly different in their expression
of TAM morphology, among other things. Studies of neighboring languages and the
possible mutual influences will undoubtedly prove fruitful.
Most significant for this study, Totela has a complex and pragmatically rich Tense, Aspect,
and Mood marking system. This study demonstrates that pragmatics and information
structuring goals play a key role in the use of TAM markers in Totela. Totela narratives are
both entertaining and a fruitful source of linguistic material; they are ideal for analysis of
discourse-structuring uses of TAM.
In general, Bantu TAM systems have been grossly understudied, and the number of textbased
studies is even fewer. Since Bantu languages have some of the most complex and
elaborate tense and aspect marking systems in the world, it seems natural that they should
30 See de Luna (2008:259); Brelsford (1965:14).
113