Form and qualitative features of demonstratives in ethiosemitic languages

Abstract

Based on the cross-linguistic typological observations in Himmelmann (1996), Diessel (1999), and Dixon (2003, 2010), this study is concerned with the basic form and qualitative functions of demonstratives in Ethiosemitic languages. Ethiosemitic languages use various deictic elements in communication.  There are two main demonstrative bases. Regarding the qualitative features, demonstratives can express information about whether the referent is female or male; a single entity or plural; or human or non-human; however, significant variation has been observed in the demonstrative systems among the given languages. Like the basic form, the independent third-person pronoun form also provides some qualitative information about the referent.