Intersuffixing in Setswana: the case of the perfective -ile, the applicative -ela, and the causative -isa

Abstract

Our motivation and inspiration to undertake this aspect of the phonology of Setswana is derived from research in Setswana phonology by Creissels (Notes, 1991-1992) and from the Bantu languages phonology by Bastin (1983). The reanalysis of the phenomenon that we earlier treated under what the two linguists describe generally as "imbrication"l (cf. Chebanne, 1993, ACAL 24), and which means an affixal imbedding which transforms morphemes has yielded new mterpretations on the Setswana data. We are now inclined to call this phenomenon "intersuffixing", which refers here to the adjustment of positions and forms undergone by verbal suffixes according to morpho-phonological rules. The two terms, intersuffixing and imbrication, actually do not mutually exclude each other. Imbrication may result after certain suffixal permutations in the process of intersuffixing have occurred.