INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRAVIDIAN LINGUISTICS
Vol. 53 No.2 (June 2024)
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CONTENTS:
1: FORENSIC LEXICAL ANALYSIS
Christopher Heffer
Abstract
This paper introduces a form of forensic lexical analysis, or the analysis of lexical meaning and use for forensic purposes. It first sets out some issues relating to forensic evidence and expertise in general. It then examines the case of the denominal verb kneecap and discusses how a corpus approach to the lexical pragmatics of kneecap can work. Next, it applies these corpus linguistic tools to trace the historical semantic evolution of kneecap as a verb from a form of paramilitary punishment in the Northern Ireland „Troubles" in the 1970s to a metaphor indicating political or financial debilitation. Finally, it shows how this evolution is in keeping with a small set of other debilitating verbs.
2: NEGATIVES AND PROHIBITIVES IN MALAYALAM
G.K. Panikkar
Abstract
This article attempts to present a detailed investigation of the negative and prohibitive formations found in the Malayalam language. Negations are indicated in Malayalam in two ways : (1) by using specific words of negation, and (2) by using affixes. The negative suffixes are added only to verbs and not to nouns. However, for nouns borrowed from Sanskrit to Malayalam, negative prefixes are noticed. Such prefixes of negation are used to denote the opposites. But in this article, the main thrust is only on the indigenous negative formations. Malayalam prohibitives are closely related to negatives and very often the negative and prohibitive senses overlap. The prohibitive constructions in this language do indicate different degrees of prohibition. i.e., from weak to strong based on the variations in the usage of the forms of prohibition. The negative word illa and the suffixes of negation like -¡ can be found used for generating prohibitive sense in addition to the words and suffixes specifically intended for the same.
3: Impact of AI on Language Studies
A. Murigeppa
Abstract
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted linguistic studies and everyday language usage. Across various domains, machines are increasingly assuming roles traditionally performed by humans. Specifically, AI technologies have been adept at speech recognition and comprehension, facilitating tasks such as sentiment analysis, translation services, and user query responses. Moreover, AI systems are employed in practical applications, such as providing automated announcements for transportation schedules and streamlining ticket booking processes for various services, including public transport and entertainment venues. This paper examines the pervasive integration of modern AI technology into linguistic activities and communication processes. It explores how AI-driven solutions have gradually supplanted human involvement in linguistic analysis and processing tasks. From segmenting sentences to phonetic levels and identifying grammatical categories, AI-enabled machines are proficient in executing intricate linguistic operations with remarkable accuracy and efficiency. By providing an overview of the contemporary landscape of AI in linguistic applications, this paper aims to elucidate the transformative potential of AI technology in reshaping linguistic studies and everyday language interactions.
* H.M. Maheshwaraiah Memorial Lecture delivered at the 50th AICDL, Department of Linguistics, Universality of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, June 2023.
4: Correlating Comparative Constructions in Tamil with English
Rajendran S. & V. Dhanalakshmi
Abstract
Comparative construction is a linguistic technique for demonstrating two or more items to show their similarities and differences. Typically, a comparative construction consists of a predicate and two noun phrases, one of which serves as the "criterion" of the comparison and the other as the object of comparison (the comparee NP). The sentences that are comparable to sentences like "Raja is taller than Roja", where the noun phrase after the item "than" is the standard NP, are prototype examples of comparative constructions in the languages of the globe. As suggested by Dixon (2012), a prototypical comparative construction has three elements: participants of comparison (comparee and standard of comparison), the property (parameter of comparison), and the index of comparison. In this paper, we are not concerned with the typological study of comparative constructions. We have focused on mapping comparative constructions in Tamil with that of English which will help formulate rules for Machine Translation.
5: Indian English: Accents and Attitudes
Caroline R. Wiltshire
Abstract
Indian English has developed sounds and sound patterns that make it unique; I review here some aspects of the Indian English accent and its potential sub-varieties. Speakers of Indian English can recognize at least some of these sub-varieties and associate them with groups of speakers. Furthermore, listeners express attitudes towards both the accents and the groups associated with them, suggesting that accent features have developed the ability to index sub-varieties. I conclude with suggestions on areas that most urgently need future research, in order to have a greater understanding of the sources of variability and the potential for linguistic prejudice and discrimination based on the variations in Indian English accents.
* Prof. K. Mahadeva Sastri Memorial Lecture delivered at the 50th AICDL,
University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, June 2023.
6: Finiteness in Telugu CP (ANI-THAT) Clauses
Kothakonda Suman
Abstract
Abstract
Finiteness in several languages is a complex phenomenon and it is more so in Telugu. It does not lend itself to a straight forward analysis. This paper aims to investigate finiteness in complementizer phrase (CP) clauses and formulates criteria to decide it in Telugu. In this language, there are three types of CP clauses ani, anna and annadi and these complementizers are all derived from the root ann, „to say". In Telugu ani „that" clause is a verb complement clause; anna-clause is a complement of a noun; in other words, it is a complex-NP construction similar to „that-NP clause" in English. All these clauses are, in fact, similar to different versions of „that-clause" in English. However, the CP clauses in Telugu have wide distribution in that they can embed different types of constructions unlike „that-clause" in English. This paper specifically focuses on ani CP clause in relation to finiteness and examines how morpho-syntactic and semantic properties play a crucial role in deciding finiteness in Telugu CP clauses.
[Keywords: CP clauses, finiteness, morpho-syntactic properties, Telugu, Tense, verba finite, verba infinite]
Prof. Anantharamayyar Chandrasekhar Memorial Lecture delivered at the 50th
AICDL, University of Kerala, June 2023, Thiruvananthapuram, June, 2023.
7: Reduplication due to Grammaticalized Morphemes: A Study of Verbal Reduplication in Manipuri
S. Indrakumar Singh
Abstract
This paper offers a detailed distribution of the Bangla (a.k.a Bengali; Indo Aryan) desire predicates. The studies on desire predicates in Bangla remain a bit drifted with very less exploration. We argue that the predicates conveying the sense of desire show some impelling empirical phenomena with some potential theoretical significance. Interpreting desire at the level of discourse always involves the incorporation of a large amount of information, not only semantically, but also morpho-syntactically. Bangla like many other South Asian languages shows a robust use of light verbs, and likewise, light verbs are very much prevalent in desire predicates as well. This paper shows that the light verbs in alliance with the desire predicates are sensitive to certain clausal structures. Light verbs like k?r- ‘do’, h- ‘happen’ and at- ‘have’ with the predicate ite ‘wish’ shows a selection restriction towards their clausal complements in the domain of syntactic dependency.
[Keywords: Impersonal structure, Clausal dependency, Genitive Gerundive complements, N V complex predicates, Lexical Predicate, Predicate Phrase]
8: Desire Predicates in Bangla: Impersonal Construction and the Clausal Dependency
Debadatta Roychowdhury & Samir Karmakar
Abstract
This paper offers a detailed distribution of the Bangla (a.k.a Bengali; Indo Aryan) desire predicates. The studies on desire predicates in Bangla remain a bit drifted with very less exploration. We argue that the predicates conveying the sense of desire show some impelling empirical phenomena with some potential theoretical significance. Interpreting desire at the level of discourse always involves the incorporation of a large amount of information, not only semantically, but also morpho-syntactically. Bangla like many other South Asian languages shows a robust use of light verbs, and likewise, light verbs are very much prevalent in desire predicates as well. This paper shows that the light verbs in alliance with the desire predicates are sensitive to certain clausal structures. Light verbs like k?r- ‘do’, h?- ‘happen’ and at??- ‘have’ with the predicate it?t??e ‘wish’ shows a selection restriction towards their clausal complements in the domain of syntactic dependency.
[Keywords: Impersonal structure, Clausal dependency, Genitive Gerundive complements, N V complex predicates, Lexical Predicate, Predicate Phrase]
Book Review
ELAMITE AND DRAVIDIAN: A REASSESSMENT. 2023. Filippo Pedron,
International School of Dravidian Linguistics, V.I. Subramoniam Memorial ISDL Complex, St. Xavier’s College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695 586. Pp.264, ?. 450/-US $ 40/-.
Reviewed by
E. Annamalai
Book Review
SEMANTIC CHANGE AND SEMANTIC EXTENSION OF TAMIL VERBS. 2022. Rajendran Sankaravelayuthan,
Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute (Deemed to be a University), Pune. Pp. 12+257, ?. 830/-.
Reviewed by
P.M. GIRISH
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