CHAOCLRSC · Comparative-historical analysis of the clausal structure in Reefs-Santa Cruz languages

Comparative-historical analysis of the clausal structure in Reefs-Santa Cruz languages

The CHAOCLRSC project aims to address a significant gap in our understanding of Oceanic languages through a detailed comparative-historical analysis of the clausal structures found in the Reefs-Santa Cruz (RSC) languages spoken in Temotu Province. While these languages are classified as Oceanic, they exhibit unique features that challenge traditional linguistic categorizations, particularly concerning their clausal organization. One of the key languages of interest, Äiwoo, demonstrates a symmetrical voice system that is quite rare among Oceanic languages, although it has been observed in other branches of the Austronesian family, such as Western Austronesian languages. In contrast, the Santa Cruz languages primarily show transitivity-based systems. This contrast suggests a complex linguistic evolution and raises important questions about how these languages developed over time. The preservation of a symmetrical voice system in Äiwoo may provide valuable insights into the historical transition from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian (PMP) to Proto-Oceanic (POc). Recent research indicates that the clausal structures in Äiwoo and those in Santa Cruz languages may share subtle connections, pointing to a more gradual relationship rather than a strict divide.The main objective of the CHAOCLRSC project is to thoroughly investigate the clausal systems of the Reefs-Santa Cruz languages and to assess the broader implications of these findings for the Austronesian language family. The project will focus on how the evolution from symmetrical voice systems to transitivity-based structures occurs, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of grammatical transitions and their cognitive underpinnings. The specific research objectives of the project include the following: First, in Work Package 1, the project will produce a scholarly paper that analyzes the typological aspects of Santa Cruz clausal structures, with particular attention to the role of valency-changing devices, especially applicatives. Furthermore, a comprehensive data corpus on Santa Cruz systems will be compiled to enhance the database of Austronesian clausal structures as part of the ongoing research led by Professor Næss. Second, Work Package 2 will focus on a typological analysis of the RSC languages, specifically investigating the differences between valency morphology in Santa Cruz and voice morphology in Äiwoo. This component will include a comparative study of specific morphemes, such as the voice marker =Cä in Äiwoo and the applicative morphemes =ngö/-ngö/-(n)ö in Santa Cruz, emphasizing their semantic and syntactic significance. Finally, Work Package 3 will involve a historical analysis of the Santa Cruz clausal systems, aiming to uncover their origins and evaluate whether they represent a transition from voice systems to transitivity-based structures. This investigation will provide a theoretical framework for understanding the transitional stage represented by the Santa Cruz systems and will help identify potential traces of voice systems in other Oceanic languages, informing our broader understanding of Proto-Oceanic reconstructions. Through these objectives, the CHAOCLRSC project is expected to make significant contributions to our understanding of the typological and historical dynamics of Oceanic languages. Moreover, by sharing my research findings with both academic and general audiences through conferences, workshops, podcasts, and popular articles, I aim to raise awareness of the linguistic complexities within the Reefs-Santa Cruz languages. This work will not only enrich our understanding of linguistic diversity and evolution but also contribute to the ongoing discourse within the field of linguistics.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union