The Mamaindê Tense/Evidentiality System

Abstract

This paper describes the extensive tense/evidentiality system of Mamaindê, a northern Nambikwara language of Brazil. This morphological system performs a dual function in Mamaindê, that of marking tense as well as indicating information source. First, each of the six evidentials are discussed in detail, followed by a section on the use of evidentials as ‘extensions’ with secondary semantic properties. After comments regarding the possible origins of this particular morphological category, a comparative section highlights the similarities and differences between the various evidential systems discovered thus far in the Nambikwara family, as well as some parallels with evidentiality within other Amazonian languages. The systems most similar to Mamaindê are those found in Lakondê, a northern Nambikwara language ( Telles & Wetzels 2006 ), Tariana, an Arawak language ( Aikhenvald 2004 : 60) and Tuyuca, East Tucanoan ( Payne 1997 : 256–7). The paper closes with a short commentary on the possible connections between Mamaindê evidentials and Mamaindê culture. The overall result of this research is a comprehensive presentation of the Mamaindê evidential system, and an assessment of how it fits into a cross-linguistic picture of evidentiality.

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