Takic switch reference in Uto-Aztecan perspective

Switch reference of the “canonical” type is found in most Uto-Aztecan languages, and is documented for Serrano, Luiseño, Cupeño and Cahuilla within the Takic subgroup in Southern California. Switch reference marking in these languages is described and compared, using a multivariate typology framework. All the languages share a same-subject suffix that may not appear outside the subgroup, but have evolved different suffixes for change of subject. The language also vary as to control type, with Serrano switch reference exhibiting pragmatic control and marking pragmatic or discourse discontinuity. In contrast, Luiseño exhibits syntactic control by grammatical subject, with few exceptions. Against a background summary of switch-reference marking in Uto-Aztecan more generally, histories of the Takic suffixes are suggested.

• Affiliations: 1: University of Arizona