the syntax and semantics of relativization and quantification

49
typically appears on either the noun or the quantifier of certain quantified DPs (its
acceptability depending on the quantifier). In this section I will first summarize the
relevant uses and distribution of -nka, then show how -nka interacts with relative
clauses.
Examples (2.54) to (2.58) illustrate the compatibility and interpretation of -nka
with various DP types.
First, -nka is compatible with the weak quantifiers pisi ‘few/a little’, ashka
‘many/a lot’ and huk ‘one’ (and other numbers). In its distributive use, it marks the
DP which is being distributed. 20 It indicates that the marked DP will be distributed
in units of the size specified by the quantifier. Examples with ashka ‘a lot’ (2.54),
(2.55) and iskay ‘two’ (2.56) are shown below. The suffix -nka can optionally surface
on the quantifier or on its sister noun, as seen in (2.54) and (2.55). When on a direct
object noun, the accusative marker becomes optional, which I take to be a purely
phonological effect.
(2.54) Runa-kuna-man-qa
person-plural-dat-top
qu-yku-nki.
give-intensifier-2sg(fut.)
ashka-nka
much-nka
coca-cha-ta
coca-dimin-acc
‘You will give a lot of coca (leaves) to each person.’
(2.55) Runa-kuna-man-qa
person-plural-dat-top
qu-yku-nki.
give-intensifier-2sg(fut.)
ashka
much
coca-cha-nka-(ta)
coca-dimin-nka-(acc)
‘You will give a lot of coca (leaves) to each person.’
(2.56) Pisi
a few
runa
person
iskay
two
wik’uña-nka
vicuña-nka
riku-ra-nku.
see-past-pl
‘A few people saw two vicuñas each.’
20 This DP is called the Distributive Share in the terminology of [Choe 1987].