36.2628, Reviews: Locative Predications in Chadic Languages: Zygmunt Frajzyngier (2025)

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LINGUIST List: Vol-36-2628. Wed Sep 03 2025. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 36.2628, Reviews: Locative Predications in Chadic Languages: Zygmunt Frajzyngier (2025)

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Date: 03-Sep-2025
From: Philemon Victor Gomwalk [philgomwalk at gmail.com]
Subject: Morphology, Semantics, Syntax, Typology: Zygmunt Frajzyngier (2025)


Book announced at https://linguistlist.org/issues/36-1255

Title: Locative Predications in Chadic Languages
Subtitle: Implications for Semantic Analysis
Publication Year: 2025

Publisher: Oxford University Press
           http://www.oup.com/us
Book URL:
https://global.oup.com/academic/product/locative-predications-in-chadic-languages-9780198896210?utm_source=linguistlist&utm_medium=listserv&utm_campaign=linguistics

Author(s): Zygmunt Frajzyngier

Reviewer: Philemon Victor Gomwalk

Review of  Locative Predications in Chadic Languages
Reviewer: Philemon Victor Gomwalk
Book Title: Locative Predications in Chadic Languages
Sub-Title: Implications for Semantic Analysis
Author : Zygmunt Frajzyngier
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Date of Publication:2024
Introduction
Locative Predications in Chadic Languages by Zygmunt Frajzyngier  is
aimed broadly at demonstrating that grammatical systems of individual
languages code unique semantic structures, which can be rightly
posited  as one of the enduring subjects of contemporary semantic
description. Specifically, the author chooses to examine  how selected
Chadic languages uniquely provide  semantic information about the
location, movement or directionality  of an entity in space through
the deployment of and grammatical interactions between nouns, verbs
and pre-or -positional elements in the affected languages. Much of the
analyses  in the  book are presented as based on firsthand data  drawn
from empirical fieldwork-based investigations.
Summary
Chapter 1 (pp. 1-14) provides an introduction to the aim, scope and
justification for the discussion carried out in subsequent chapters of
the volume. This is done under five main sub-headings. The first
subsection covers such critical issues  as the justification for the
volume’s focus on Chadic languages; the empirical consequences of
sampling data drawn from Chadic languages; a  critique of universal
approaches to the study  of locative expressions in other natural
languages, apart from those of Chadic; an overview of universal
approaches to semantic analysis; a consideration of how  such
categories as nouns, verbs, prepositions and complements are coded and
projected differently in the semantic and grammatical systems of
languages. The second subsection of the chapter  identifies and
critiques some of the key approaches that deal with the universal
study of locative expressions in languages. The third subsection of
the chapter  focuses on a consideration of the key approaches to the
semantic analysis of sentences and utterances, particularly from
linguistic and philosophical perspectives.  The fourth  subsection of
the chapter presents a range of questions connected with, and the
analytical approach   adopted for, choosing, organizing and presenting
the language data cited and analyzed in the eight case studies
provided in Chapters 3 through 10.
Chapter 2 (pp. 15-22) presents the broad theoretical framework and
analytical methodological techniques applied to the analysis of the
data sets provided in the book.  It broadly hypothesizes that the
grammatical system of every language hierarchically encodes a unique
semantic structure consisting of a finite number of functional
domains. Each functional domain is, in turn, comprised of a network of
functions. Primary-level functional domains as well as their sub-level
functions in a given language, as asserted  by the volume author, can
only be discovered through careful analysis of coding mechanisms that
are often unique to such a language. This chapter is concluded with a
listing of key terminologies widely used in the book.
In each of the eight chapters that follow, attention is  paid to the
identification, discussion and exemplification of operations of
locative-domain expressions which apply distinctively to eight
languages belonging to three different branches of the Chadic-language
phyla.
Chapter 3 (pp.23-56) presents locative expressions in Mina (a Central-
Chadic language). Mina codes locative domain in its grammatical
system, as evidenced by the grammatical markers dedicated to code
functions within the locative domain.
Chapter 4 (pp. 57-82) demonstrates that a locative domain exists in
Hausa (a well-known West-Chadic language) that differs significantly
from all other syntactic categorizations in the language.
Chapter 5 (pp.83-104) discusses operations of the locative domain in
Pero (a West- Chadic language), as a part of the language’s semantic
structure. On the basis of the analysis provided in the chapter,
evidence for the existence of the locative domain consists primarily
of the interaction of the preposition <-tì> in a ‘locative-only’
relationship with a typical noun in Pero, occurring in a typical
directional predication setting.
Chapter 6 (pp. 105-138) reveals that the grammatical categorization
system of Lele recognizes two key subdomains of locative expressions,
namely, stative locative and directional predications. Within the
subdomain of stative locative predications, the chapter shows that
Lele makes either a distinction between the presence of an entity at a
location or the presence of an activity/event location through the use
of particular locative complements. On the other hand, within the
domain of directional locative predication, lexical items can deployed
to indicate either motion away from a particular source; motion toward
a particular goal or motion to a particular goal.
Chapter 7 (pp. 139-185) describes operations of the locative domain in
Hdi (a Central-Chadic language). The chapter reveals that Hdi is a
consistently predicate-initial language, regardless of whether the
predicate is verbal or nominal. It also establishes that verbal
inflection in the language embodies a large set of suffixes, called
‘verbal extensions’, several of which conspicuously encode locative
functions.   On the whole, the coding mechanisms observed and
exemplified in the chapter provides sufficient evidence to show that
Hdi significantly encodes locative domain features in its semantic
structure.
Chapter 8 (pp. 186-215) describes operations of the locative domain in
Mupun (a West-Chadic language). The analysis provided in the chapter
reveals and demonstrates that the main locative complement observed in
Mupun codes only the  specific place where an event happens and its
associated spatial relations,  with respect to the occurrence of
existing grammatical complements in a typical utterance. In addition,
other semantic functions within the locative domain (such as
directionality and vertical dimension of motion) are coded primarily
by verbs.
Chapter 9 (pp. 216-274) describes operations of the locative domain in
Wandala (a Central-Chadic language). The analysis provided in the
chapter shows that the locative domain in Wandala is composed
primarily of three sub-domains, namely,  the stative predications, the
locative functions of the event, and the locative functions of the
complement. The evidence that the three sub-domains belong to one
locative domain is that they share some of the same coding means. The
chapter also shows that the two specific functions encoded in the
sub-domains of the locative functions of the event and the locative
functions of complement in Wandala are those pertaining to
directionality and spatial dimensions of motion.
Chapter 10 (pp. 275-311) describes operations of locative expressions
in Gidar (a Central-Chadic language). The analysis provided in the
chapter establishes in clear terms that (unlike the languages
highlighted in Chapters 3- 9 of the volume) Gidar does not show any
marked traces of operations of locative expressions in its grammatical
system. This fact is as evidenced by (1) lack of distinction between
inherently locative and inherently non-locative nouns, and (2) absence
of markers changing inherently non-locative verbs and nouns into
locative verbs and nouns. Rather, most verbs  are observed to  occur
with only one or two isolated ‘locative-expressive’  complements.
Thus, the phenomenon of directionality with respect to the complement
is solely marked by the use of specific ‘locative prepositions’ that
primarily indicate  a ‘cause-and-effect’ relationship between verbs
and their grammatical complements in Gidar.
Chapter 11 (pp. 312-323) offers explanations and arguments for the
typology of locative predication in Chadic languages proposed in the
present volume. The chapter also tries to provide reasonable
justification for the analytical approach adopted for locating,
organizing and presenting the empirical data deployed in the case
studies covered in Chapters 1-10 of the volume. Given that this
typology is built on data from only 8 of the approximately 150 known
Chadic languages, the title of the chapter explicitly rules out a
comprehensive typology.
Finally, Chapter 12 (pp. 324- 330) discusses the main implications of
the analyses and findings  for the advancement of Chadic and general
linguistic theory. In doing this, the chapter highlights the
contribution of the volume to three key areas of importance for
linguistic theory: (1) the existence of the semantic structure of an
individual language as the primary object of semantic description; (2)
the status of the lexicon as a not fully autonomous coding means; and
(3) the formation of, and a fresh reflection on, how utterances are
deployed in natural languages. The chapter also focuses on how
utterance analysis of excerpts from selected Chadic languages raises
legitimate  questions about the often-argued autonomy of minimalist
syntactic theory.
Evaluation
Although prior studies on locative predications in Chadic languages
have been conducted and published by the author (for example,
Frajzyngier, 1993; Frajzyngier 2008; Frajzyngier 2012b),  the present
book provides a new reader with sufficient evidence to realize that
the new empirical  data and analyses provided in the book   supersede
those in the older sources in terms of overall currency and
comprehensiveness. The new data sets,  analyses and insights provided
in the book cover the key functions involved in the coding of spatial
relations in Chadic languages in general.
In Chapter 3, for example, Frajzyngier succeeds in revealing that one
of the grammatical markers dedicated to coding locative functions in
Mina is  the presence of  the preposition <-á>, whose function is to
code locative predication when the predicate of the clause is
inherently non-locative or there is no predicate in the clause and yet
the locative predication is intended. In addition, he is able to show
that directionality  is  also shown to be coded by certain unique
verbs and inflectional markers added to verbs in Mina. Finally, he is
able to establish that Mina is  unique among the sampled Chadic
languages in being able to project and encode motion toward a
beneficiary as a distinct function within the grammatical system of a
language.
In Chapter 4, Frajzyngier succeeds in showing that utterances coding
locative domain in Hausa can be different, depending on the value of
the feature [locative] in predicates and in nouns serving as
complements of locative predications. For example, if the predicate is
not inherently locative, a locative predication must be coded by the
locative predicator   (p. ). On the basis of the analysis provided in
the chapter, he is able to establish and demonstrate that two main
types of locative predication are identifiable in Hausa, namely,
stative and directional. Finally, he is able to establish that the
distinction between the inherently locative and non-locative
predicates and the inherently locative and non-locative nouns affects
the forms of utterances coding both stative and directional locative
predications .
In Chapter 5, Frajzyngier succeeds in showing that if the noun is
inherently locative in Pero, the preposition <-tì> is not deployed in
the locative complement of directional predication. However, if the
noun is not inherently locative, the preposition <-tì> must code the
locative complement in the language under study. In addition, he is
able to establish that the locative domain in Pero is composed of
three subdomains: stative locative predication, directionality, and
spatial relations. Finally, he succeeds in establishing that a notable
feature of Pero  is that every directional predication must indicate
whether the event originated at some place and ended in a location
inferred from an ongoing discourse .
In Chapter 6, Frajzyngier succeeds in establishing that Lele
recognizes a distinction between inherently locative lexical items
consisting of toponyms and a few other nouns and locative adverbs. For
example, the postposition <-ni> is shown to assign a locative
(semantic) feature to inherently non-locative nouns if they are to be
deployed in the locative complement. This can be cited as significant
research finding made by Frajzyngier in Lele, as it specifically
relates to the discussion of locative predication investigations in
Chadic languages in general.
In Chapter 7, Frajzyngier succeeds in identifying and demonstrating
the operations of specific verb and verbal extensions in Hdi that
perform explicit directionality functions in the language. He is also
able to show that these identified verbal extensions  indicate
allative, ventive, goal- and -source- orientations  of different
categories of grammatical objects. Finally, he is able to demonstrate
that the same category of verbal extensions additionally embody
spatial orientation of the motions up, out, and down in utterances, in
addition to acquiring aspectual function and coding perfective aspect.
In Chapter 8, Frajzyngier succeeds in demonstrating and illustrating
that every verb of motion observed and analyzed in Mupun carries only
one significant grammatical parameter with respect to directionality;
the number of locative complements it can admit. In general, he is
able to reveal that his analysis of the locative domain in Mupun
points to existence of complex linkages between syntactic, semantic
and lexical structures in the language.
In Chapter 10 , for example, Frajzyngier is able to establish that
Gidar does not show any marked traces of operations of locative
expressions in its grammatical system. This can be cited as a
significant research finding in Gidar because  the language exhibits
two unique  features of grammar not encountered in any of the other
seven Chadic  language documented in the volume. These striking
features are,  namely, (1) lack of distinction between inherently
locative and inherently non-locative nouns, and (2) absence of markers
changing inherently non-locative verbs and nouns into locative verbs
and nouns.
The occurrence of these rare features in Gidar, as Frajzyngier has
rightly observed in this consideration of cited data sets from Gidar,
is tied to the unresolved debate in semantic theory  about whether the
properties of verbs determine the form of the locative predication or
whether the functions encoded in the locative complements affect the
syntactic properties of verbs. In providing a partial response  to
this debate, Frajzyngier’s  analysis in Chapter 9 seems to suggest
that the functions encoded in the locative complements influence the
syntactic properties of verbs, rather than the syntactic properties of
verbs influencing the functions encoded in the locative predication in
the specific case of  Gidar.
At different points in the volume, Frajzyngier succeeds in
demonstrating and illustrating  that  specific verbs of motion can be
used to encode  generalized semantic functions such as ‘directionality
from inferrable place’, ‘directionality towards  a specific goal, or
‘directionality away from a specific goal’ differently in languages.
Thus, basic cognitive notions such as Motion or Directionality can be
encoded and expressed through the grammatical instrumentality of only
specific verbs, nouns  and  other pre-/post-positional elements of
language.
Part of the meanings of some specific verbs in different languages are
often linked to their inherent locative complements, as demonstrated
in the analysis of  locative predicate elements in Mupun (Chapter 8,
pp. 186-215 for a fuller discussion). The question that frequently
arises is:    across languages, why do  some verbs that denote similar
physical events or activities often exhibit different syntactic
properties?  The analyses found in  other chapters of Frajzyngier’s
book throw additional light on this elemental question , especially as
it relates  to the operational mechanisms of locative predications  in
Chadic languages.
It is also significant that Frajzyngier’s book is able to establish
and demonstrate that locative complements in the sampled Chadic
languages essentially codes two functional domains. The first is the
function of the complement as locative and the second is spatial
orientation with respect to the locative complement. With specific
respect to the coding of the complement as locative-only (to the
exclusion of motion or directionality), Frajzyngier  makes it clear
that motion, directionality of event or directionality whose point of
reference is the locative complement is separately encoded elsewhere
in the clause. With regard to the function of spatial orientation,
however, he reveals that its encoding does not depend on, and has no
effect on, other functions involved in locative predications.
In addition to making these two significant statements on coding
patterns of locative complements in the sampled Chadic languages,
Frajzyngier’s  wide-ranging analysis of empirical data in the volume
also shows that there are inexplicable limitations on how complements
can encode  locative prediction processes in these languages. On the
strength of this empirical evidence, he is able to demonstrate that
the predominant means of coding available in Chadic languages are
verbs and inflectional markers on the verbs. Given this situation, he
hypothesizes that limitations associated with complements could have
prompted the emergence of verbs as the primary agents for encoding
locative predication in the Chadic languages represented in the
volume.
Even though cross-linguistic differences have been recognized and
discussed in many previous studies on locative predications in
languages, adequate explanations for the existence and functional
operations of such differences are yet to be provided. From a critical
perspective, I believe that   Frajzyngier’s  volume succeeds in
providing informative, incisive and convincing explanations on how and
why many of such language differences (or unique linguistic
structures) occur, especially as they relate to contemporary Chadic
linguistic research.
Close consideration of all twelve chapters in  Frajzyngier’s book
provides a new reader with many new insights into how Chadic languages
uniquely provide  semantic information about the location, movement or
directionality  of an entity in space through the deployment of and
grammatical interactions between nouns, verbs and pre-or -positional
elements in the sampled Chadic languages. Much of such insights are
provided through the use of persuasive empirical data and appropriate
graphic illustrations in different sections of respective chapters of
the book. Many of the major issues concerning  the typology of
locative predication in Chadic language are highlighted, well
discussed and appropriately illustrated in different chapters of
Frajzyngier’s book. I find the explanations of, and graphic
illustrations on, these issues quite robust, innovative and
stimulating.
As a befitting postscript to my review of his book, it is significant
to point out that Zygmunt Frajzyngier, author of Locative Predications
in Chadic Languages, is  acknowledged as a scholar of high repute in
Chadic linguistic studies worldwide.  His rich research pedigree is
evident from his numerous publications in Chadic linguistics, as
captured in the Reference section of his book. His impressive research
output stretches from his first recorded publication in 1976 up till
2024 - the date of his latest publication. In it, he successfully
brings together different strands of his research and new insights on
a specific facet of Chadic linguistics - Locative Predications in
Chadic Languages -  into a single, integrated whole. It is in this
respect that I view the publication of his new book as
‘ground-breaking’ for specific research in Chadic linguistics and as
‘noteworthy’ in global linguistic research .
Frajzyngier’s book offers significant academic and citation value
for all nascent Chadic language researchers interested in deepening
their current understanding of how basic semantic categories become
programmed into the grammatical structures and systems of different
Chadic languages in particular and all natural languages in general.
The contents of the book should also be able to challenge and retain
the  academic interest of advanced-level readers, who are familiar
with the use of technical terminologies in the language sciences.
References
Frajzyngier, Zygmunt. 1993. A Grammar of Mupun. Berlin: Reimer
Frajzyngier, Zygmunt. 2008. A Grammar of Gidar. Frankfurt: Peter Lang
Frajzyngier, Zygmunt. 2012b. A Grammar of Wandala. Berlin and New
York: Mouton de Gruyter.



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