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The Kifuliiru Language, Volume 1:
Phonology and Morphological Derivation
by Karen Van Otterloo
This volume on Kifuliiru, a Bantu J language of the Democratic Republic of
Congo, and its companion volume, The Kifuliiru Language: Volume 2: A
Descriptive Grammar, comprise one of the most thorough and yet readable
Bantu grammars available.
A highlight of this volume is an unusually thorough analysis of Kifuliiru tone,
with emphasis on the realization of tone in an extensive variety of verbal
constructions, with and without various object pre fixes, and including passive
and causative variations of most forms. This analysis indicates a synchronic
three-way distinction in verbs between high (H), low (L), and toneless (Ø).
An entire chapter details the morphology and morphophonology of derivation
in Kifuliiru. Discussion of verbal extensions includes morphophonological and
syntactic aspects, as well as the semantic nuances, of each extension. An
exhaustive treatment of the formation of the resultative (often called
perfective) form is also included.
The Kifuliiru Language, Volume 2:
A Descriptive Grammar
by Roger Van Otterloo
This groundbreaking study describes all grammatical features found in over
100 narrative texts. The volume covers all word classes, including
ideophones and interjections. The verb chapter catalogues the wide range of
tenses, aspects, moods, and reduplication. Information structure of the
clause level and a complete set of interclausal relations are also presented.
Of particular interest is a detailed study of narrative discourse, including a
discussion of tightknit conversations. Also noted are various development
markers, which demarcate two levels of thematic salience. The function of
intonation and pauses is also described, as well as a fascinating look at
proverbs.
These materials have already provided a springboard for extensive discourse
study in dozens of related languages.
About the Authors:
The Van Otterloos lived in the Kifuliiru-speaking area from 1980-1996, and
have continued their involvement with the Bafuliiru to this day.
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