Adverbial and Argument-Doubling Clauses in Cree - MSpace

3.3.2 NPs in a Cree Sentence
So far, we have looked at the relationships inside the verbal complex, including verb forms
and argument identification. Of course, because we daim that arguments in Cree are
inside the verbal complex, this is crucial to sentence interpretation. However, NPs are not
barred fiom occumng in a Cree sentence. They are required for the same discourse
motivations as in any other language: introduction of new participants, clarification, style,
etc. When an NP occurs in Cree, it is in a non-argumental position.
There are two types of NPs found in Cree sentences. These may be labelled
argument-doubling NPs (A-doubling NPs) and oblique NPs. A-doubling NPs are coindexed
to the pronominal arguments within the verb, while oblique NPs are not. We will
investigate these below.
3.3.2.1 Argument-Dou bling NPs
An A-doubling NP mut be construed with one of the pronominal arguments inside the
verbal complex. This is accomplished by referential linking. In order to be referentially
linked, an NP must bear features compatible to one the central arguments occumng in the
clause. An example of an A-doubling NP can be seen in (30). In this sentence, the overt
hT mostoswa 'buffalo(obv)' matches the person, gender, and obviation features of the
object pro. It is third person, animate and obviative (number is not marked on obviative
participants). Thus, moszswa 'buffalo(obv)' is co-indexed with the object argument in
the verbal complex.