Magin_Edward-thesis

77
NP = (DEM)(NUM) head-noun ( [ EZP [ NP/ADJP ] ] )
The introduction of the ezafe conjunctive particle phrase (EZP) is beyond the
scope of this paper. In fact, in the Bahdini subdialect, and perhaps other Northern
Kurdish subdialects, there are other functions of the ezafe particle that have not been
covered in this sketch. However, for the purposes of this paper, the noun phrase
represented above is sufficient in most instances. Bailey adds the following to what has
already been discussed: a demonstrative (DEM) must precede a number (NUM).
Additionally, the representation shows clearly that a post-ezafe phrase must be either an
NP or an ADJP.
In (42) the noun phrase begins with a modifying ADJP consisting of a determiner
ew, 3D, and the number du, ‘two.’ Postpositionally modifying pertuk, ‘book,’ are the
color şîn, ‘blue,’ and an ADJP consisting of the intensifier gelek, ‘very,’ and the adjective
mezin, ‘large.’ An ezafe for a secondary construct is needed for the ADJP to jointly
modify pertuk.
(42) ew du pertuk-êt şîn yê gelek mezin bu min b-în-e
3D two book-EZ.PL blue EZ2.M very large for 1O IRR-bring-IMP.SG
‘Bring me those two very large blue books.’
4.4.3 Verbs and the verb phrase
4.4.3.1 Verb morphology
As mentioned, Northern Kurdish is a split-ergative language, as attested by
MacKenzie (1961), Thackston (2006), Şirîn and Buşra (2006), and many other scholars.
Intransitive sentences and most non-past transitive sentences use a nominative-accusative
agreement pattern. Past tense transitive sentences and some irregular verbs use ergativeabsolutive
agreement. Past and non-past verb stems often differ, and there are some verbs
that are irregular wherein the suffix rules do not apply. Verbs may also have an
imperfective, irrealis or negative aspect affix, and in some instances both a negation
word, ne (like the affix), and an imperfective aspect affix are used.