Morphological and Syntactic Features in Javanese and Indonesian Verbs
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Morphologisch markierte jawanische und indonesische Verben in objekts- und subjektstypischer Position
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Original source:
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Hans Herrfurth
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Morphologisch markierte jawanische und indonesische Verben in objekts- und subjektstypischer Position
Year: 1977 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5134
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text provides a detailed examination of Javanese and Indonesian verbs, specifically analyzing the syntactic characteristics of morphologically marked verbs in object and subject positions. The work of Hans Herrfurth focuses on the syntactic overlay of Indonesian by Javanese, referencing how morphological elements and various affixes contribute to the grammar and meaning of these verbs.
The Role of Morphological Marking in Syntax
A significant concept highlighted in the text is the use of morphologically marked verbs within Javanese syntax. These verbs exhibit a particular positioning that includes both passive and state forms. Herrfurth discusses the implications of this morphological marking, which includes passive-form prefixes like "di-" and "ke-", and state-form infixes such as "-um-". He stresses that these markings transform originally predicative statements by altering their syntactic valency, allowing the verbs to function as either objects or subjects within a sentence. Notably, the text elaborates on how these verb forms are influenced by possessive pronominal enclitics and a specialized suffix, indicating a certain paratactic nature in Javanese discourse.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Herrfurth's analysis reveals the intricate relationship between morphology and syntax in Javanese and Indonesian languages. By exploring the marked and unmarked forms of verbs, as well as their syntactic positioning, the study sheds light on how these languages organize information and construct meaning. The findings underscore the need for further discussion regarding the definition and understanding of passive constructions in these languages, inviting continued research in the field of syntactic and morphological studies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What offerings are presented at the Lightning Spirit altar?
Offerings include beeswax candles, hen's eggs, imitation tongs, anvil and bellows made from banana stems, and imitation knives made of bamboo, placed at the foot of a yaw tree.
What morphological features distinguish Javanese and Indonesian verbs?
Javanese and Indonesian verbs show morphologically marked forms that can adopt object or subject positions. These verbs may undergo changes in their syntactic valence based on passive and stative morphological markers.
How is syntactic polyfunctionality demonstrated in Javanese?
Syntactic polyfunctionality arises from the dual roles of unmarked verbs, allowing them to shift between object and subject positions, often accompanied by posessive enclitics for nuanced grammatical structures.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Morphological and Syntactic Features in Javanese and Indonesian Verbs”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Lightning:
In the provided text, 'Lightning' refers to a spiritual or religious concept, as indicated by the offerings to the Lightning Spirit in Plate 1 and Plate 2. These offerings include various items like beeswax candles and imitation tools made from banana stems and bamboo.
2) Tree:
The 'Tree' refers to the yaw tree mentioned in Plate 1, where the altar with offerings to the Lightning Spirit is situated. Paper streamers are attached to the tree trunk, indicating its significance in the ritual.
3) Pata:
'Padha' is a Javanese word seen in the text, specifically in the phrase 'padha mbiyantu kaleksanané sensus'. It signifies a collective action, as 'padha' means 'we all' or 'together', illustrating the involvement of a group in helping with the census.
4) Mula:
'Mula' translates to 'because' or 'since' and serves as a conjunction. It is used in the text as 'mula saking kesusuné banjur nunut prau layar', explaining a reason or cause for an action, like why someone hurriedly took a sailboat.
5) Kita:
'Kita' denotes 'we' or 'our', often used to indicate a collective identity. In the text, it appears in 'Angkatan Bersenjata kita' meaning 'our armed forces,' showing a sense of shared belonging and community among the speakers.
6) Foot (Feet):
[see source text or glossary: Foot]