Two paths to habituality: The semantics of habitual mode in Tlingit
Seth Cable
2022
Semantics and Pragmatics
This paper presents a detailed description and formal semantic analysis of habitual sentences in Tlingit (Na-Dene; Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon). As in many other languages (Carlson 2005, 2012), there are two means in Tlingit for expressing a habitual statement, such as my father eats salmon. The first employs a relatively unmarked verb, realizing imperfective aspect. In the second type of habitual sentence, however, the verb bears special habitual morphology. Although there is a significant
more »
... overlap in the use of these constructions, certain semantic contrasts do exist. Most notably, the special habitual marking cannot be used to express pure, unrealized dispositions/functions/duties (e.g., Mary handles any mail from Antarctica). In other words, Tlingit habitual morphology -unlike imperfective aspect -requires the habituality in question to have actually occurred, an effect that has also observed for habitual morphology in a variety of other, unrelated languages (Green 2000, Bittner 2008, Boneh & Doron 2008, Filip 2018). I develop and defend a formal semantic analysis that captures these (and other) contrasts between imperfective and habitual verbs. In brief, imperfective aspect is argued to * Deepest thanks and gratitude are owed first and foremost to Tlingit elders Lillian Austin (Yaxdulákt), Irene Cadiente (Jigeit Tláa), George Davis (Kaxwaan Éesh), Margaret Dutson (Shak'sháani), Selena Everson (Kaséix), William Fawcett (Kóoshdaak'w Éesh), Carolyn Martin (K'altseen), and John Martin (Keihéenák'w). I will forever be deeply grateful for all that they have taught me regarding the Tlingit language, as well as for their generosity, patience, and good humor. I dedicate this work to the memories of Mr. Davis, Mrs. Dutson, Mrs. Everson, Mr. Fawcett, and Mr. Martin, all of whom have Walked Into the Forest since the time this project began. This project and many others owe an immeasurable amount to their tireless, inspiring, and entertaining teaching. Every moment spent with them was a blessing; their knowledge, spirit, and humor will be very deeply missed. Special thanks are also owed to Lance Twitchell (X'unei), James Crippen (Dzéiwsh), and Keri Eggleston (X'aagi Sháawu) for their crucial logistical support of this study. For their helpful comments upon earlier versions of this work, I thank
doi:10.3765/sp.15.11
fatcat:6z52uhrmxzelfj5u7qmionwhea