Rang- en kategorieverskuiwing in Noord-Sotho, met spesiale verwysing na die voegwoord

Abstract

In Noord-Sotho is twee taaldinamiese prosesse geïdentifiseer, naamlik rangverskuiwing en kategorieverskuiwing, wat in hierdie artikel bespreek word. Dit wil voorkom asof sommige voegwoorde en bywoorde in Noord-Sotho (wat heterogene woordklasse is) diachronies uit werkwoorde ontwikkel het langs 'n weg van rangen kategorieverskuiwing. Hierdie verskynsel word ondersoek deur enkele voegwoorde te interpreteer in terme van rang- en kategorieverskuiwing. Ten slotte word die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat 'n chronologiese ontwikkelingsketting hepaal kan word waarlangs kategorieverskuiwing plaasvind in die geval van voegwoorde wat uit werkwoorde ontwikkel het.

Two language-dynamic processes have been identified in Northern Sotho, namely rank shifting and category shifting, which are discussed in this article. It would appear that various conjunctions and adverbs in Northern Sotho (which are heterogeneous word classes) have developed diachronically from verbs via rank shifting and category shifting. This phenomenon is examined by interpreting some conjunctions in terms of rank and category shifting. Finally the conclusion is reached that a chronological chain of development can be determined by which category shifting occurs in the case of conjunctions which have developed from verbs.