Nasioi Causatives

Abstract

Causatives are constructions that express when someone (causer) causes a change in state, or causes something or someone (causee) to perform an action. Nasioi, a Papuan language spoken on Bougainville Island, has several different ways of marking causation. The most notable causative verb in Nasioi is anta, meaning ‘make’ or ‘cause’. Anta differs from the other Nasioi causatives by the conditions imposed on it by the state of the causee. If the causee is an adult human, anta is only allowed with an involuntary action or reaction, such as laughing or crying. Causatives with anta are permitted when children or non-humans are causees, presumably because they lack volition or control. The aim of this thesis is to describe and analyse the semantic boundaries of Nasioi causatives. Pinker (2007) claims that the choice of causative is motivated only by the intentions and will of the causer, and not by syntax. The evidence from Nasioi indicates the contrary: that it is the causee’s volitionality that dictates the form of causative used. In Nasioi, unlike in most languages, the features such as animacy, control, or volitionality of the causer have no bearing on how the causative verbs are used. The features of the causee are responsible for how a causative is selected and used. This shows that thoughts and preconceptions of what is and is not possible are reflected in how language is used.