Applicative constructions in Cushitic
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of applicative constructions and applicative lookalikes in the five branches of Cushitic languages for which enough data show that such constructions exist: Central Cushitic, Northern Cushitic, and three groups of Eastern Cushitic, the Iraqw-Alagwa-Burunge cluster, Omo-Tana and Oromo. These constructions were largely underestimated, or analysed differently so far. It is shown that two main strategies are used, preverbal constructions and periphrastic constructions, while morphological derivation is highly marginal. As a whole, lookalike applicatives predominate, and even though there is a good number of commonalities, each language has developed its own system. The morphology, syntax and semantics of each construction is discussed. The most frequent semantic roles of applied phrases are benefactive, instrumental/locative, and locative (ventive, ablative). Malefactive and causal roles are marginal.