Definiteness in Argobba NPs

Abstract

This paper describes and analyzes the morphosyntactic manifestation of definite nominals in Argobba, a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia, in HPSG framework. The objective of this study is, therefore, twofold: to describe the surface realization of definite nominals and put forward theoretical analysis of the categories in question. In Argobba, indefinite nominals (nouns, adjectives and numerals) are not morphologically marked. Definite nominals in contrast are morphologically marked. The Argobba definite article is a morphologically bound element with specification for gender. Plural nouns and adjectives are not morphologically marked for definiteness. There are different definite article suffixes for the category noun, adjective and numeral. Unlike in other sister languages in Ethio-Semitic subfamily, in Argobba, a singular noun qualified by a demonstrative, possessive pronoun and genitive NP obligatorily carries a definite article. In this paper, I argued that the article combines with nominals in the lexicon, not at the level of syntax. Accordingly, a DLR is posited to derive a definite nominal word.