Particles in Munduruku (Tupian)

Abstract

The aim of this text is to provide an analysis of particles in Munduruku. This proposed word class follows formal and functional criteria, which are presented here to justify the existence of particles in this language as well as to contribute to the theoretical debate on this subject. The data were obtained from oral and written narratives, descriptions of hunting procedures, basket and hammock weaving, material produced for the health area, and elicitations. Particles in Munduruku are invariable forms, for the most part unstressed and monosyllabic, with functional and non-lexical status. They have scope mainly over constituents, and mostly follow them, but may also have scope over entire sentences. They perform typically pragmatic functions, such as contrastive focalization and modalization. The position and the phonologic contour created by the particles show their scope, although this is not restricted to the constituent or the sentence. Instead, it establishes a relevant interference in the flow of conversation in order to restrict, contest, affirm, correct, include, question information, and demonstrate states of mind (such as irritation, euphoria, admiration, politeness, certainty, and uncertainty). The particles further serve to express hypothesis, command, and immediate past or future tenses.

Keywords
Particles; Munduruku; Pragmatics; Contrastive focalization; Modalization; TAM