The Syntax of Po Tangle Numerals
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Date
2014
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Publisher
Institute of Language, Sejong University, Seoul
Abstract
This paper examines the endangered numerals of Po Tangle
[taŋglɛ], a minority language spoken in four local government
areas in Gombe State, north eastern Nigeria. The emphasis is on
the cardinal whole numbers. The study explores the structure of
complex numerals which are derived from simple lexical ones
using syntactic coordination and complementation. The study
adopts the packing strategy framework of Hurford (1975, 1987,
2003, 2007). This framework adopted applies very widely to
numeral systems that uses syntactic constructions to signal
multiplication and addition. It is found out that there is no overt
marker for multiplicative arithmetic operation but there are two
distinct markers for additive arithmetic operation, salai and ka,
while the former is used for lower complex numerals in the base
of ten, the latter is found in higher complex numerals of bases
hundred and thousand.
Description
Keywords
Po Tangle, numeral, packing strategy, syntax, connectives, phrase structure rules
Citation
Journal of Universal Language 15 (2): 35-54