Adverbial and Argument-Doubling Clauses in Cree - MSpace

Adverbial and Argument-Doubling Clauses in Cm
Introduction
1.1 Introduction
This thesis is concemed with the treatment of subordinate clauses in Cree, a Pronominal
Argument language. Primarily, I account for the distinction between adjunct-like and
complement-like clauses, in a way which is not based upon their structural position.
In configurational languages like English and French, complement and adjunct
clauses are differentiated by the structural position they hold in the sentence. Complement
clauses are situated in argument positions, while adjunct clauses are in non-argument
positions. Pronominal Argument languages, however, cannot be explained by a sirnilar
treatment. Argument positions in these languages are found inside the verbal cornplex and
are filled by pronominal arguments. This leaves no argument position outside the verbal
complex accessible to Noun Phrases (NPs) or subordinate clauses. Given the theoretical
implications of such a structure, we would expect only one type of subordinate clause in a
Pronominal Argument (PA) language, an adjunct or non-argumental clause. These
languages should lack complement clauses.
There is evidence in Cree, however, which indicates that there are at least two
types of subordinate clauses. One of these types clearly demonstrates complement-like
behaviour, while the other shows adjunct-like behaviour. This evidence includes
restrictions on obviation status. in particuiar, on proximate re-assignrnent between clauses.
Our goal is to account for this distinction while recognizing that both clauses are found in
non-argumental position.