Verb affixes from case markers: some Australian examples

<p dir="ltr">This paper explores the grammatical evolution of verb affixes from case markers in Australian Aboriginal languages, particularly within the Pama-Nyungan family. The paper's author Barry Blake identifies formal and functional parallels between nominal case markers and verbal suffixes, suggesting that case markers have extended into verbal domains through processes of reanalysis and grammaticalisation. Examples from languages such as Kala Lagaw Ya demonstrate systematic correspondences between case and tense/aspect markers, supporting the hypothesis of affix transfer. The study also discusses stem-forming suffixes derived from proprietive and tense/aspect markers. While some verb affixes reflect ancient verbal forms, many polysyllabic markers appear to incorporate case elements. This research highlights the dynamic interplay between nominal and verbal morphology in the evolution of Australian language structures. (AI generated abstract, Coppilot)</p><h3><b>Cultural Sensitivity</b></h3><p dir="ltr">Some material in this collection may contain words, descriptions and terms, which may be culturally sensitive and that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the content was created, but may not be considered appropriate today. If you believe this material should be removed please contact the library.</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr"><b>To contact the library</b></p><p dir="ltr">Contact: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/library/about/contact</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr"><b>For Indigenous Australians help and support is available</b></p><p dir="ltr"><i>‍13YARN</i> is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line. Available 24/7.</p><p dir="ltr">Contact: 1300Yarn (13 92 76) or <a href="https://www.13yarn.org.au/" target="_blank">https://www.13yarn.org.au/</a></p>