Verbal order and clause typing in Ojibwe

Abstract

This dissertation is an exploration of clause typing in Ojibwe, a discussion that hinges on verbal order in the language. I focus on the independent and conjunct orders for their role in clause typing, and argue that the former is utilized in main/unselected clauses and the latter in subordinate/selected ones. This proposal accounts for the wide range of interpretations that can be associated with either order, and can explain the distributional differences between the orders. Two other components of Ojibwe grammar that significantly interact with order are mode (i.e. neutral, preterit, dubitative, preterit-dubitative) and discourse particles. I investigate preterit and dubitative modes, arguing that the differing functions that have been ascribed to these modes are in fact predictable properties of the orders in which they appear. The subject of initial change and the changed conjunct are examined as significant parts of Ojibwe grammar that influence clause typing. This dissertation adopts a user-centered approach to linguistic research; these topics have been selected for study due to their import to users of the language, especially learners who struggle with both clause type selection and appropriate use of mode in their own speech.