Marking function R on pronouns (Synja Khanty)

NoRMark: The function T is marked explicitly, while the function R is marked with a zero morpheme (∅).

RAff: The function R is marked with the use of an affix (prefix or suffix).


(1) naŋen ńāń ma-l-ǝm.

I you.dat bread give-prs-1sg

‘I’m giving bread to you.’ (S. O.)


(2) naŋen ńāń-ǝn ma-l-em.

I you.acc bread-loc give-prs-obj.1sg

‘I’m giving bread to you.’ (S. O.)


(3) pox-ǝn śit-ǝn ma-l-ajǝm.

boy-loc I det-loc give-prs-pass.1sg

‘I have been given that by the boy.’ (S. O.)


(4) pox-ǝn śit ma-l-ajǝm.

boy-loc I det give-prs-pass.1sg

‘I have been given that by the boy.’  (S. O.)


In Synja Khanty, pronominal objects take the accusative-dative case (cf. Honti 1984: 88, 93‒96, Nikolaeva 1999a: 30‒34, 38‒39, Solovar 2009: 61‒81, 2010). There are two pronominal ditransitive constructions in Synja Khanty. In the first construction, the recipient takes the dative case (1), the theme (direct object) is in the nominative and the verb is used with the indeterminate conjugation. In the second construction, the pronominal recipient is marked with the accusative case (which is morphologically identical with the dative) (2), the direct object takes the locative suffix (in the instrumental function), and the verb form follows the determinate conjugation (cf. Onina 2009, Nikolaeva 1999a: 40, Honti 1984: 96). In the passive voice, the pronominal recipient is unmarked (3)-(4).

Author: 

Nikolett F. Gulyás