The Scalar Interpretation of the Additive Focus Particle *=Bv in Select Boro-Garo Languages

Abstract

The paper looks into the scalar interpretation of the additive focus particle in select Boro-Garo languages, namely, Boro, Dimasa, Garo, Kokborok, Rabha, and Tiwa. The additive has the following forms: =bɯ in Bodo, =bo in Dimasa, =ba in Garo, =bo in Kokborok, =ba in Rabha, and =bo in Tiwa. Based on their phonetic similarity, we reconstruct the Boro-Garo proto-form as *=bV. The additive provides a scalar ‘even’ reading in three different constructions, namely, classifier-numeral, quantifier, and temporal adverbial constructions. In classifier-numeral constructions, a scalar reading is found when the numeral is ‘one’ and the clause is negative. However, with numerals greater than ‘one’, the particles may have either a scalar or non-scalar additive interpretation depending on the contexts. In the other two constructions, the particles contribute scalar meaning only in negative environments.