The grammatical function, morphological status and hierarchical development of the Northern Sotho verb form ka

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate the different types of grammatical status of the Northern Sotho form ka and its multiple functions in language contexts. The various ranks that ka occupies in the taxonomy of Northern Sotho verb forms are identified and described. Grammatical descriptions by some prominent researchers and grammarians concerning the grammatical status of ka are evaluated and discussed. Emphasis is also placed on rank and categorial shifting that involves ka and some related verb forms. These language phenomena are investigated from a diachronic perspective. Morphological, syntactical and semantic characteristics of ka functioning in different ranks are revealed. In conclusion, the various ranks that mark ka functioning in different contexts are indicated.

S.Afr.J.Afr.Lang.,2006, 1