Adverbial and Argument-Doubling Clauses in Cree - MSpace

(95) prq-nikiskênimâw-proJ Lw awêna kF KI, Opj p~kâ-sipwêht êt]] .
u
2 -Rnow. TA-(l-3) who cj-Ieave.M-3
'I know (Kun) who it is that left.'
'1 know who lefi.'
In (95)' the subject of the subordinate verb is CO-indexed with a wh 'who', the
head of the relative clause. This is indicated by a subscripted 'j' on the subordinatepro
argument. This index percolates to the maximal projection NP above it. This whole NP,
which contains the wh-nominal and the subordinate clause, is r-linked to the object pro of
the matrix verb r~ikiskêninla'w '1 know him'.
This treatment of A-doubling clauses is consistent with translations sometimes
given by Cree speakers, where a matrix verb plus A-doubling clause includes an NP
complement for the matrix verb plus a relative clause. For example, the sentences in (96)
were transiated with pronoun objects and relative c~auses.~"
(96) a. nikiskênimàw awêna kâ-sipwêhtêt.
1 -know. TA-( 1-3) who cj-leave. AI-3
'1 know him who left.
b. nikiskênihtên awêna kâ-sipwêhtêt.
1 -know. TI-( 1 -inan) who cj-leave. Ai-3
'1 know it who lefi.'
By claiming that a nominal which contains the A-doubling clause may include
overt or nonsvert nominal material, this analysis can be applied to al1 A-doubling clauses,
Of course, we camot place much reliame on this point, sinœ there cuuld be al1 kinds of English
interference. Nonet heiess, it is interesting tbt such translations are consistent with the analysis presented
here.