Halkomelem

• Brent D. Galloway, A Grammar of Upriver Halkomelem. University of California Publications in Linguistics, No. 96. 1993. $70. - The first full grammar of the Coast Salish language of the lower Fraser river valley of British Columbia and the east-central coast of Vancouver Island. --- The focus is on the dialects of the eastern (upriver) end of the territory, including Tait, Chehalis, Pilalt, Chilliwack, Scowlitz, Nicomen, and Sumas. G.'s treatment is in part that of a standard reference grammar - chapters on phonetics and phonemics; on morphophonemics; on the morphosyntax of each of the word classes (pronouns, lexical affixes, verbs, particles, nominals, demonstratives, and numerals); and on syntax. But G. is particularly interested in semantics, and in two lengthy chapters (Semantics and Sememics, and Morphosememics) he describes the basic semantic domain memberships of Halkomelem lexemes and analyzes the systematic alternations of meaning in derivation. To handle these topics G. has developed his own theory of semantics, one that relies heavily on componential analysis and is related, to some extent, to models developed a generation ago by Nida and Lamb. Whatever one feels about his theoretical framework, G. provides an unparalleled survey of the structure of the Halkomelem lexicon, reflecting his abiding interest in lexicography. An appendix surveys "the allosemes and semantic territory" of Halkomelem color terminology, and summarizes work G. has done in collaboration with Robert McLaury. Splendid, detailed maps show the dialect diversity and toponymy of Halkomelem and adjacent territory. --- Order from: Univ. of California Press, 2120 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720 (toll-free tel: 1-800-822-6657). Add $2 for shipping. [April 1994]
• The following pedagogical materials have been published on the Musqueam dialect of Halkomelem (Straits Salish, British Columbia): Musqueam Language, by J. V. Powell & Arnold Guerin (1975); Musqueam for Kids (Books 1 & 2), by V. Jensen & C. McLaren, edited by J. Powell (1975); and Halkomelem Alphabet Sheet (1975). The supply has been exhausted, but xeroxes are available for the cost of duplicating and mailing. For requests, write: Jay Powell, Dept. of Anthropology, UBC, Vancouver, BC, CANADA V6T 1W5. [Sept. 1988]