Adverbial and Argument-Doubling Clauses in Cree - MSpace

i) Distributional Restrictions
A-doubling expressions are r-ünked to a pronominal argument within the matrix verbal
complex, with which they are construed. Therefore, these clauses must occur with a
matrix verb that has a sufficient number of argument roles, so that one of them can be r-
iinked to the A-doubling clause. We saw in section 3 -3.3.3.1, that mat& verbs which
introduce A-doubling clauses are generally transitive verbs, and a list of such verbs was
given in example (39).
Adverbial clauses are not r-linked to a pronominal argument in the matrix verbal
complex. Therefore. the argument specifications of the matrix verb are irrelevant to the
occurrence of these subordinate clauses. Adverbial clauses have a wide range of
distribution, and may occur with a variety of matrix verbs, both transitive and intransitive.
These clauses are subject to semantic and discourse-related restrictions cenainly, but are
not restricted to occumng with only a specific class of verbs.
ii)
Proximate Shifts
Restrictions on proximate shifts demonstrate a clear difference between A-
doubling and adverbial clauses.
No constituent has an obviation feature established before it is placed into a
sentence. The obviation feature is detennined by the syniaxlsemantics component of the
grarnrnar, and not by the lexicon (unlike features of penon, number and gender). Where
obviation status is not restricted by the grammar (e.g., nouns possessed by a third person
must be obviative) the speaker can assign proximate and obviative status according to the