TWU Linguistics Colloquium Series
Trinity Western University is pleased to welcome guest lecturers for the linguistics colloquia series. These are often alumni of the linguistics department or colleagues who have worked in various linguistics roles overseas. Graduate students in the MA Linguistics program benefit from the field research, experience and advice of these linguists in colloquia, held 3 or 4 times per semester.
For more information on other linguistics colloquia in the Vancouver area, check the colloquium schedules at SFU and UBC.
Mar 9, 2012 ~ Microlectures in Linguistics and Translation
Come learn about current research themes in linguistics and translation being explored by Canada Institute of Linguistics faculty and graduate thesis students. Nine researchers will be allotted five minutes each to summarize some aspect of their current scholarship. The micro-lecture format spreads a broader awareness of current research efforts and challenges presenters to be vivid and concise. The following researchers and research themes will be featured:
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Faculty Research |
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Keith Snider |
Compounding in Chumburung |
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Rod Casali |
ATR vowel harmony |
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Doug Trick |
Optimizing translation training at CanIL |
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Dave Jeffery |
Dialogue on Diglossia |
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Jamin Pelkey |
A semiotic distinction for language variation |
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Nathan Niesley |
Typological considerations in Christian glossolalia |
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Graduate Thesis Student Research |
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Anna Olson |
Semantic issues in the analysis of English phrasal verbs |
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Rachel Aubrey |
Embodied cognition and middle voice in Koine Greek |
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Johnny Walker |
Tense-Aspect-Mood marking in Bantu JE40 |
Jan 25, 2012 ~ Cultural and Contextual Constraints in Translation: Can Effective Meaning-Transfer be Guaranteed?
Michael R. Walrod, Ph.D.
Canada Institute of Linguistics
Abstract: Developments in Cognitive linguistics, Integrational linguistics, Neurolinguistics, Relevance theory, Hermeneutics, and Discourse analysis give fresh insight into how meaning is communicated and construed. These insights have enormous implications for philosophy of language and for translation theory and practice.
There is a convergence of these insights around the notions of cultural and contextual constraints in communication. Viewing these topics in light of discourse analysis leads to a theory of emergent text-level meaning. Ideally our theory of meaning-based translation should be a theory of “emergent text-level meaning”-based translation.
The corollary of the preceding statement is that for translators to secure anything close to a guarantee that effective meaning-transfer has occurred, requires a high level of competence in source and target languages. This competence must be over all the levels of linguistic organization, especially including text-level features and discourse markers.
Recommended reading before attending:
http://www.wycliffe.net/Features/tabid/86/Default.aspx?id=2408
Oct 26, 2011 ~ Phonological and Orthographical Issues in Dong Xiang
Stephen Kim
SIL International
Abstract: Due to the language contacts and over standardization in the Pinyin (national orthography) system, the Dongxiang faces difficult decision with regard to the question: whether to distinguish the syllable final “back nasal” and the “front nasal”. The features of Northwest Chinese dialect which influence the Dongxiang and the rule of vowel harmony are presented as background for this phonological phenomenon. Two possible conclusions are drawn; treating them as two different phonemes or merging them into one phoneme. Different solutions for Dongxiang writing systems are suggested accordingly.
Sept 22, 2011 ~ The 'Split' Rainforest Bantu Hypothesis: Correlating Bantu Migration History with Vowel Harmony Patterns in Guthrie Zone C
Myles Leitch, Ph.D.
Tyndale University & SIL International
Abstract: This paper grew out of research presented originally at the Bantu Historical Colloquium held in Lyon in 1997. Thus it is embedded in larger research initiative, best captured in Hyman 1999’s analysis of the areal and historical characteristics of Bantu vowel harmony overall. The current study is more concerned with just the languages of the central Bantu zone C in Guthrie 1967’s classification. I will show that, based on the vowel harmony patterning evidence, Guthrie’s Bantu C can be seen as two distinct groups, (i) a northern band of languages that properly belong together with the B-20 and B-30 languages of Gabon (Van der Veen 2003), and (ii) a southern block with dramatically distinct properties. To accomplish my goals, in addition to relying heavily on Hyman 1999’s groundbreaking overview of Bantu vowel harmony, I bring together and consider evidence from: (i) empirical research on areal vowel harmony patterns of the so-called ‘rainforest’ Bantu languages (Leitch 1997), and (ii), archeological and historical research (D.W. Phillipson 1977, 1985 and Vansina 1984, 1990, 1995, and some of the work cited therein).
July 22, 2011 ~ Increasing Scripture Engagement: Reducing Cultural Distance between the Message and Today's Receptors
Michelle Petersen, M.A.
SIL International and the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics
Abstract: Scripture and the relevance of Scripture can be communicated through a variety of forms such as print, performance, and recordings, including local arts such as drama, story, song, dance, poetry, paintings, illustrations, or local proverbs relating to Scriptural principles. In this paper, I apply Wendell's model for scaling difficulty of literacy materials according to the cultural distance between author and receptors to our understanding of all forms of communication, including cross-cultural visual literacy and performance. I propose two ways by which the cultural distance of translated Scripture can be reduced for today’s audiences. I then present a model for working with local artists to perform or illustrate their local language Scripture or its applications. Prior to artistic co-creation, cultural research is needed to discover valued forms in which to present the message of Scripture. The framework presented in this paper is useful for developing Scripture-infused creations and distributing them via publications, performances, or recordings. This paper gives examples of a variety of Scripture-infused arts from different cultures around the world.
June 17, 2011 ~ Aspects of the Xibe Verb System: Synchrony and Diachrony
Taeho Jang, Kyungsook Jang and Tom Payne
SIL East Asia Group, SIL International and University of Oregon
Abstract: Xibe is a Manchu-Tungus language spoken by about 40,000 people in Northwest China. The Xibe ethnicity is one of the 55 officially recognized minorities in China. In this paper, we present selected findings of a language project begun in 1998 by Taeho and Kyungsook Jang. First, we provide a general typological sketch of this verb-final language. Second, we discuss a finiteness continuum in Xibe verbs, and note that the perfective/imperfective distinction is relevant at almost all points on the continuum. Third, we describe the complex system of auxiliary constructions. Xibe verb phrases may include up to three auxiliaries: 1) aspect/modal auxiliaries, 2) tense/aspect auxiliaries, and 3) the existential verb/particle bi. We note a grammaticalization cline between serial verb constructions and verb + auxiliary constructions, and finally verb + bound verbal suffix constructions. Fourth, we point out a distinction in Xibe verb morphology that is similar to Tibeto-Burman conjunct/disjunct patterns.
March 17, 2011 ~ The PAM System of Makary Kotoko
Sean Allison, Ph.D. Candidate
SIL International and the University of Colorado, Boulder
Abstract: Sean Allison provides a ‘progress report’ on the ongoing analysis of the Person-Aspect-Mode system of Makary Kotoko (Chadic, Cameroon). Makary Kotoko, a Central Chadic B language, codes aspectual and modal information on the subject-person marker which directly precedes the verb. Following the functionally oriented descriptive approach outlined in R.M.W. Dixon’s ‘Basic Linguistic Theory’ (vol. 1, 2, 2010; vol. 3 forthcoming) with input from the approach advocated by Z. Frajzyngier (e.g. Frajzyngier 1996, 2002, 2003, 2008), Allison describes the formation of the PAM markers and their various functions. Of note is the absence of any coding of tense within the system, with temporal reference being provided by context or temporal adverbials. As well, the functions of the aspectual and modal markers interact with the different persons such that the aspectual/modal functions expressed in a given sentence are conditioned in some cases by the coding for person.
Aug 6, 2010 ~ The Kagayanen Four Voice Choir
Carol Pebley
SIL Phillipines and the Canada Institute of Linguistics
Abstract: Kagayanen is a verb-initial language spoken in the Central Philippines. Like many Philippine languages, Kagayanen has four grammatically distinct "Voices" that have caused much controversy among linguists over the years. In this paper, I describe the system from a functional perspective, and make some observations concerning the use of voice in discourse.
July 30, 2010 ~ A Construction Grammar Analysis of ἰδού and ἴδε ‘Behold’
Nicholas A. Bailey, M.A.
Canada Institute of Linguistics and SIL International
Abstract: Exegetes and lexicographers are often at a loss with what to do with the particles ἰδού and ἴδε, and the translation of these particles is often stilted or unidiomatic (e.g. behold). In this talk, an integrated analysis of these particles is presented that assumes (at least) five different uses (i.e. ‘grammatical constructions’ in terms of Construction Grammar, a current linguistic theory developed by Fillmore, Kay, Lakoff, Goldberg, Lambrecht, etc.). Although each of the five uses are cognitively related to each other, they nevertheless differ significantly in function and syntax such that no one use can be entirely predicted from the others. The differences in the five uses is reflected in their functional differences in information structure and deixis. This analysis serves as a major refinement of the entries of these particles in the standard lexicons (e.g. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich).
July 13, 2010 ~ Head-marking Languages & Linguistic Theory
Robert D. Van Valin, Jr., Ph.D.
Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Max-Planck-Institut für Psycholinguistik, Nijmegen
Abstract: Nichols (1986) proposed a typological contrast between head-marking and dependent-marking languages. An important difference concerns the relationship of NP arguments to the verb: they are for the most part obligatory in dependent-marking languages, whereas they are for the most part optional in head-marking languages. Nichols showed that this distinction in clausal syntax is part of a larger, systematic contrast between two ways of indicating the syntactic relation between a head and its dependent(s): the marker of the relationship can occur on the dependent, i.e. dependent-marking, or it can occur on the head, i.e. head-marking. In head-marking languages, independent NP arguments are optional and the bound argument markers (agreement) on the verb seem to function as the core arguments of the predicate. The purpose of this paper is to explore the various approaches that have been taken in an attempt to capture the difference between head-marked and dependent-marked syntax in different linguistic theories. In generative approaches, either null pronominals in the traditional argument positions are posited, which is in effect a dependent-marking analysis, or the bound pronouns are analyzed as occupying the syntactically defined argument positions with independent NPs analyzed as adjuncts or detached phrases. The analysis of independent NPs are being adjuncts or in detached positions will be shown to be problematic. An alternative analysis in Role and Reference Grammar (Van Valin 2005), in which the bound argument markers are analyzed as the core arguments, with independent NPs analyzed as clause-internal and not as adjuncts or in detached positions will be presented, and its implications for the morphology-syntax interface will also be explored.
March 4, 2010 ~ Assumed and Trusted Similarity
Doug Trick, M.A.
Canada Institute of Linguistics at Trinity Western Univesity
Abstract: The process of translation - and communication in general - is a complex process. This paper explores several intermediate stages that may be seen as contributing to the process of communication. But to consider those stages as an adequate explanation of the process of communication is still a gross oversimplification - there is an enormous degree of reduction that takes place at each stage. Toolan’s notion of “assumed and trusted similarity” provides some understanding into how communicators are able to overcome the inevitable reductions that take place; this notion can enrich our understanding of what it is to communicate (and thus, what it is to translate).
Nov 16, 2009 ~ Translation as Discourse Art
Chinese Elaborate Expression and the Semantics of Centripetal Interaction
Michael Walrod, Ph.D. and Jamin Pelkey, Ph.D.
Canada Institute of Linguistics at Trinity Western Univeristy
Abstract: This paper presentation lights a torch at the dual flame of Paul Ricoeur's interaction theory of meaning and Northrop Frye's centripetal theory of meaning to shed light on the little discussed implications of ‘four-syllable elaborate expressions’—polyfunctional poetic phrases that frequently surface both in Chinese discourse and in various translations of the Chinese Bible. The term ‘emergent text-level meaning’ (Walrod 2007) describes the gestalt semantics of a given text which, much like consciousness, cannot be reduced to the sum of its conventionally defined parts. Four-syllable elaborate expressions are common in the languages of East and Southeast Asia and involve aesthetically pleasing, often ancient, combinations of monosyllabic morpheme pairs that constitute microcosmic texts in themselves. For example, 四面八方, ‘four faces, eight places’ is the Chinese Living Version rendering of the Job 37:3 phrase, הָאָרֶץ כַּנְפוֹת or ‘the wings of the earth’, usually translated, ‘the ends of the earth’ in English. Applying insights from the metaphor-oriented hermeneutics of Ricoeur (1981) and Frye (2006[1983]), we argue that four-syllable elaborate expressions illustrate some of the ways in which ‘metaphor’ and ‘text’ function interdependently. The meaning that emerges from this interaction of microcosm and macrocosm is itself dependent on an often overlooked factor: the successful integration of a poetic imagination conversant with the dynamics of language and thought in a given socio-geographical context—in this case, East Asia. Our conclusions have implications for philosophy of language and translation theory alike.
Oct 22, 2009 ~ Predicativeness: a Problem for the Theory of Role and Reference Grammar
Ben Van Meter, MLE Student
ACTS Seminaries and Canada Institute of Linguistics
Abstract: After a brief introduction to the salient points of the theory, this presentation will demonstrate how the a priori definition of a predicate in Role and Reference Grammar fails to address the complexities of predication. In particular, resultative constructions and phase verbs illustrate how sentence elements may display predicate-like characteristics without fully or independently predicating their arguments. This presentation proposes that these elements fall on a spectrum or scale of predicativeness which is as yet undefined by the theory. As such, more discussion and research are needed to determine what and how many characteristics there are in accounting for the nuances of predicativeness.
Sept 24th, 2009 ~ The Development of Copulas in Kol
Bonnie Henson, Ph.D.
Canada Institute of Linguistics at Trinity Western University
SIL International
photo © Bonnie Henson
Abstract: Kol is a Narrow Bantu language spoken in eastern Cameroon. Northwest Bantu languages are quite different from the Bantu languages spoken in eastern and southern Africa. For example, Kol, and its sister languages in the A.80 Maka-Njem language family, are noted for having isolating (or analytic) verbal structures. Kol is also striking in that it has five copulas, which function both as main verbs and as auxiliary verbs. As auxiliary verbs, copulas occupy a unique space in the verbal template, occurring after any tense marker and before an aspectual marker.
This presentation will discuss how these copulas have developed, and how the semantic space of attribution, location and equation are divided between these five copulas. Interestingly, the development paths that led to the three innovative copulas in Kol have given rise to other possibilities in neighboring languages (Heath 2003 and Beavon 1983, 1991).
Aug 6, 2009 ~ Rhetorical Questions in Lingala: A look at the relationship between grammatical structure and social interaction
Annette R. Harrison, M.A.
Canada Institute of Linguistics and SIL International
Abstract: Based on a larger study of directives in Lingala and their influence on the social organization of a women’s church group in the Republic of Congo, this presentation focuses on the use of rhetorical questions in the context of decision-making. Rhetorical questions are well known as a persuasive device in argument. Other studies have suggested that the use of an interrogative form is a mark of politeness that mitigates directness and aggressiveness in argumentation (cf. Frank 1990; Han 2002; Sadock and Zwicky 1985). The findings of this study, on the other hand, indicate that the interrogative form of a rhetorical question may in fact strengthen its directive effect.
Using recordings and transcripts of speaker-driven interaction, I first examine how a rhetorical question is identified as such, that is, how is a rhetorical question different from an information-seeking question? Next, I examine the group-internal presuppositions and implicature of rhetorical questions that are used to place responsibility for action on another member of the group. The end result of this tactic is that women on the receiving end of these questions interpret them as directions for action. Corroborating evidence for this conclusion comes from observable evidence linking the occurrence of the question to the action it implies later in the interactional context.
This study both confirms previous ethnographic findings for the area of central Africa and raises additional theoretical questions for studies of language, gender and social organization.
June 25, 2009 ~ Gender and Cognition in Halkomelem Salish
Donna Gerdts
Simon Fraser University
Abstract: Determiners in Coast Salish languages distinguish gender and most grammars describe this as a natural gender system: feminine determiners are used on female humans and animals while masculine determiners are used as the default. However, my fieldwork on the Island dialect of Halkomelem shows that feminine gender "leaks" on to hundreds of inanimate objects. The use of feminine gender forms a complex semantic network selecting objects on the basis of their size, shape, and function. Unlike gender/class systems in the more familiar languages of Europe and Africa, where the gender of a noun is selected once and for all and then lexicalized, the selection of gender in Halkomelem is subject to variation based on the cognitive setting and the pragmatics of the context. Study of texts shows that some of the factors involved are the sex of the speaker, the sex of the possessor of the noun, and the individuation of the noun. In sum, the Halkomelem gender system is used by speakers to express their viewpoint on a situation.
July 23, 2009 ~ An Overview of Tone in Northern Mao
Michael Ahland, M.A.
University of Oregon and SIL International
photo © Michael Ahland
Abstract: Northern Mao is an endangered language of the Omotic family which is spoken by fewer than 5,000 speakers in western Ethiopia. Like many languages of the Omotic family, tone is a contrastive phenomena and plays a role in marking lexical and morphosyntactic distinctions. Also, like the tone systems of many of the other Omotic languages, Northern Mao's system has yet to be described in any detail. While previous scholarship has suggested a two-tone inventory and the possibility of a pitch-accent system, where tone is a feature of a stress prosodic system, it will be shown that there are three distinct levels of tone and others which are achievable by processes. This paper offers an overview of tonal phenomena in the nominal and verbal systems. Noteworthy findings include 1) a two-melody nominal system where nouns which are modified exhibit different underlying melodies than the same nouns in citation form; 2) the appearance of downstep and double-downstep processes (the latter of which will be shown to be a historical and not synchronic process); 3) the use of tone as a primary marker for distinguishing two otherwise identical noun-noun constructions; 4) the use of tone to distinguish modality and/or finiteness of verb roots in a variety of constructions and 5) the presence of two Mid tones which are phonetically indistinguishable but which behave differently with regard to downstepping environments.
July 9, 2009 ~ Predicate (verbal) classification in Gumuz: a typological anomaly in Africa?
Colleen Ahland, M.A.
University of Oregon and SIL International
Abstract: Predicate classifiers are classifiers found in the verb stem. These classifiers do not classify the verb itself but rather an argument of the verb (Grinevald 2000:67). As per Mithun, systems of predicate classification develop from incorporated nouns, usually body parts (1986:383). To date, there has been no documentation of predicate (verbal) classifiers in the languages of Africa. In fact, Aikhenvald, in her typology of classifiers, asserts that they simply do not exist on the continent (2000:171). Other typologies of predicate classification only make reference to languages of the Americas and Australia (Mithun 1986, Grinevald 2000). Thus, such a system appears to be at best rare in Africa. However, this paper shows that it exists to a certain extent in Gumuz, a language spoken in the Blue Nile region of Ethiopia, belonging to the Nilo‐Saharan family.
Feb 19, 2009 ~ The Acoustics of Phonetics
Amanda L. Miller
Cornell University and the University of British Columbia
Abstract: I explain the acoustic theory of consonant production by showing how the length of the cavity in front of a constriction relates to the acoustics of stop bursts. This is illustrated by looking at [p] and [k] data in the Ikalanga language spoken in Botswana, and [t] and [k] data in Serbian. I then show how the formant transitions out of a stop relate to both the front and back cavities of a stop, looking at the same data.
Next, I show how the cavity in front of the anterior constriction relates to the acoustics of fricatives and affricates in light of acoustic data from fricatives and affricates in Serbian. I extend the model of stop production to a model of click production, discussing click data from the South African language N|uu, and the Namibian language Grootfontein !Xung. I show that clicks have two peaks in their burst spectra. The lower peak is a resonance of the entire cavity in front of the posterior constriction as described by Stevens (1998). (and is therefore similar in frequency to velar stop bursts ). A much higher peak relates to the lingual cavity volume formed between the two constrictions found in clicks. The lingual cavity is relevant to click acoustics rather than the cavity in front of the constriction because clicks are produced with ingressive airflow. The small cavity relates to the high frequency peaks in the spectra.
Jan 29, 2009 ~ Representing Tone in Orthography: Linguistic Considerations
Keith Snider, Ph.D.
Canada Institute of Linguistics at Trinity Western University
SIL International
photo ©2007 WBTI
Abstract: Given the current growing interest in mother-tongue literacy, the issue of how to represent tone in orthographies is destined soon to be a “hot topic.” Orthographies need to be designed by someone who has adequate linguistics training and who is aware of and sensitive to the local political and social factors that can affect that orthography. The present work is therefore directed towards making linguists aware of some of the issues involved in orthography design, particularly as they relate to tone. Some of the strategies investigated are: a)not marking tone at all, b) marking the surface tone, c) marking the underlying tone, d) marking only minimal pairs, e) diacritically marking grammatical tone, and e) writing the output of the lexical or word level (of Lexical Phonology or Stratal OT).
Mature readers read by sight (Venezky 1970), and do not take the time to sound out the words they read. For this reason, a good orthography should maintain a constant word-image. This helps minimize the effort it takes for a developing reader to memorize the shape of each word. By the same token, beginning readers often do sound out their words. For this reason, a good orthography should also base the spelling of its words as closely as possible on the way the native speaker perceives the words to sound. These two constraints can be in conflict due to the fact that the pronunciation of words often changes in different environments. It is therefore important to investigate closely the processes that produce the changes in question. My experience over the years as a linguistics consultant for many African literacy programs suggests that this problem can be largely resolved if an orthography represents the output of the word level in Stratal Optimality Theory/Lexical Phonology.
Nov 19th, 2008 ~ Sociolinguistic Portrait(s) of the Inuit language
Shelley Tulloch, Ph.D.
St. Mary's University
photo ©Shelley Tulloch
Abstract: The Government of Nunavut has the mandate to achieve (and maintain) a fully functioning bilingual society, in the Inuit language and English. However, the reality is unstable bilingualism, with the tangible fear of eventually shifting to English monolingualism. This talk presents an overview of the evolving status of the Inuit language, analyzed in light of theories of ethnolinguistic vitality. It discusses what is being done, and what could be done, to achieve more stable bilingualism in Nunavut.
Oct 8th, 2008 ~ Scaly Toes, Family Trees and Blaise Pascal
Historical dialectology for the Phula languages of China and Vietnam
Jamin Pelkey, Ph.D.
Canada Institute of Linguistics and La Trobe University
