Adverbial and Argument-Doubling Clauses in Cree - MSpace

This treatment of subordinate clauses provides not only an explanation for
differences in clausi behaviour, but dso sheds light on two other areas. Only by making a
clear distinction between adverbial and argument-doubling clauses can we achieve a
proper representation of restrictions on proximate re-assignment. Secondly, a clear
statement with respect to the 'copying-to-object' construction requires that we have a
treatment that captures the distinctions between argument-doubling and adverbial clauses.
1.2 Oiitline
The present chapter will include an introduction to Cree as a pronominal argument
language, as well as explore some of the implications of adopting the Pronominal
Argument theory of language structure for subordinate clauses.
Chapter 2 will present a brief overview of previous research on Cree and other
pronominal argument languages.
Chapter 3 will outiine the evolution of the Pronominal Argument Hypothesis, and
provide grammatical background of Cree in particular. It will also examine the treatment
of NPs in Cree, both argument-doubling and oblique. This chapter will introduce
subordinate clauses, and provide evidence for a distinction between adjunct-like
(adverbial) and complement-like (argument-doubling) clauses.
Obviation is a system of third-person reference found in Algonquian languages. In
particular, it foms one of the principal tests for detennining subordinate clause structure.
Chapter 4 is devoted to an in-depth exarnination of the restrictions goveming obviation
assignment and re-assignment.