The witness and the alibi: A method for eliciting temporal contrasts in reported speech
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14288/sfm.v6i2.198281Keywords:
multiple tense systems, Bantu, reported speech, isiNdebele (South Africa)Abstract
I propose a simple, two-stage storytelling process used for investigating multiple tense
contrasts in reported speech and illustrate a basic example of its use from a pilot study in
isiNdebele. IsiNdebele is a Nguni Bantu language of South Africa with two degrees of past tense
marking and three future forms that are less clearly differentiated for temporal distance. The
method involves translating a conversation with references to several past and future events and
then role-playing a courtroom testimony in which the conversation is reported. I also describe a
simple complementary picture-card–based method.
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