STAMP morphs, prefix conjugations and multiverb predicates in the Chadic languages

Abstract

STAMP morphs, prefix conjugations and the multiverb predicate subtype called auxiliary verb constructions (AVCs) that these derive from in the Chadic languages are discussed. Chadic languages are typically SVO (or VSO) and typically AUX V syntactically. Synchronically complex verb forms which derived etymologically from AVCs are also discussed. Across all subgroups of Chadic (but most common in West and Central), subject pronouns have sometimes fused with auxiliaries that have eroded to only a tone or floating tone or have become completely opaque synchronically. In recent Africanist typological studies these have been called STAMP morphs. These occur in different inflectional configurations across the languages of the family speaking to their origins as AVCs. There are at least ten STAMP morph series in Guus (Sigidi) (Caron 2002). In some Chadic languages like Mbuko, STAMP morphs have later fused with lexical verbs to create prefixal conjugations. This process of deriving prefix conjugations from fused STAMP morph constructions has happened repeatedly in the history of Chadic. This is a major reason why Chadic prefixal conjugations are not directly inherited from Proto-Afroasiatic.