Functions of the prefix wa in Umoⁿhoⁿ
Les fonctions du préfixe wa- en omaha (Umóⁿhoⁿ)
Résumé
The verbal prefix wa is well attested in all branches of the Siouan lan guages. It has several functions, especially in Umoⁿhoⁿ, and this creates difficulties in analyzing it, and in teaching how it works in a clear way. I propose an analysis divid ing wa into 3 different functions: 3rd person plural object marker; antipassive marker; and nominalizer. Most importantly, I identify two types of antipassive constructions with wa, according to its referentiality. While antipassives with generic objects are ambiguous with 3rd person plural object marker, antipassive with referring objects do not lend themselves to such ambiguity, and are rather close to the nominalizing func tion. This creates difficulties in analyzing wa synchronically, and also casts doubt on the possible diachronic origin of the antipassive.
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