Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/49288

This paper examines the following four types of constructions in Kolyma Yukaghir: (1)[Noun-d Noun] and (2) [Noun-n Noun] where -d and -n are suffixes attached to the first noun; (3) [Noun Noun]; and (4) [Noun Noun-gi] where the third person possessive suffix -gi is attached to the second noun. The author argues that the first two types of these constructions, (1) and (2), are better described as compound nouns on the basis of their semantic, morphological and syntactic properties. The author further aims to show that in some cases, deviance from the basic types of these constructions are recognized. The analysis of some relevant cases reveals that semantic factors, such as contrast and emphasis, can cause these deviances. On the other hand, the two other constructions, (3) and (4), are analyzed as noun phrases. The degree of referential property differentiates one type form the other. In order to support this conclusion, the author provides a detailed observation of some non-elicited passages taken from Kolyma Yukaghir folktales. The author finally speculates that the variation across these four different, but similar, constructions reflects the unique typological characteristic that the Yukaghir languages exhibit, that is, an elaborate system of information structure marking.