A Grammar of Bunaq

This grammar provides a comprehensive description of the Bunaq language, which is spoken in the Lamaknen district of Papua New Guinea and belongs to the Timor-Alor-Pantar language family. It is based on a functional-typological approach and includes new material and analyses based on fieldwork.

Format: Hardback
Length: 621 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

This comprehensive grammar of the Papuan language Bunaq, as spoken in the district of Lamaknen, delves into the intricate details of its syntax and morphology. Bunaq, a member of the Timor-Alor-Pantar language family, stands out as one of the westernmost Papuan languages, surrounded by Austronesian languages. As a result, it has evolved in isolation, showcasing a unique set of morphosyntactic patterns. This grammar offers a detailed synchronic description of Bunaq, employing a functional-typological approach. Through extensive fieldwork and incorporating fresh material and analyses, this book represents a thoroughly revised version of the author's 2010 PhD thesis, which received the prestigious Pāṇini Award from the Association for Linguistic Typology.

The Timor-Alor-Pantar language family, which includes Bunaq, is made up of the westernmost Papuan languages. Bunaq has been isolated from other members of the family due to its surroundings, which has led to the development of a variety of distinctive morphosyntactic patterns.

This grammar offers a thorough synchronic account of Bunaq, utilizing a functional-typological framework. It includes new material and analyses based on extensive fieldwork. The book is a revised version of the author's 2010 PhD thesis, which received the Pāṇini Award from the Association for Linguistic Typology.

Bunaq's syntax and morphology are characterized by a number of unique features. One notable aspect is the absence of certain grammatical categories found in other Austronesian languages, such as the definite article and the verb tense. Instead, Bunaq relies on a series of suffixes and prefixes to indicate grammatical relationships.

Another distinctive feature of Bunaq is its use of reduplication to express emphasis or contrast. For example, the word "bunaq" can be reduplicated to "bunaq-bunaq" to emphasize its meaning or to create a contrast with other words.

Bunaq also has a complex system of noun classification, which includes several classes of nouns that are based on their function or form. These classes include verbs, adjectives, and nouns that refer to specific places or objects.

In addition to its unique syntax and morphology, Bunaq also has a rich oral tradition that includes a variety of storytelling styles and cultural practices. These practices are passed down from generation to generation and play an important role in maintaining the language and culture of the Bunaq people.

Overall, this comprehensive grammar of Bunaq provides a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in the study of Papuan languages and their unique linguistic characteristics. It sheds light on the development of Bunaq in isolation and its distinctive morphosyntactic patterns, and it also highlights the importance of oral tradition and cultural practices in the preservation of the language.

Weight: 1236g
Dimension: 251 x 177 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110714500