Mosi, Masatu
(2015)
THE MARKING OF TENSE AND ASPECT IN LEKI: THE CASE
OF FORMS AND REMOTENESS DISTINCTIONS.
Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.
Abstract
This study aims at identifying tense and aspect forms of Leki, an insular language in
Ukerewe district, examining the functions and morph-syntactic distribution of tense
and aspect (T/A) markers, and finding out the degree of remoteness distinctions
inherent in the T/A system of the language based on cognitive theory. The study
employed an integrative model in which two theories (cognitive and functional
theories) were brought together. This study is descriptive in nature, employing
interviews (structured and unstructured), focus group discussion and introspection.
The obtained data were analysed by descriptive methods used in linguistics (i.e the
use of morphological parsing). The findings reveal that tense and aspect are verb
inflectional categories marked either at the T-position or at the FV-position or at
both. Specifically, tense is basically marked at the T-position common in simple
constructions while aspect is marked by compound markers (in compound
constructions). The findings reveal also a close interaction between the T/A forms
and other elements such as temporal adverbials, subject markers, negative markers
and tone. Lastly, there is a multiplicity of T/A forms in the language, a structure
which reflects speakers’ conception of time in the material universe. Conclusively,
language structure reflects speakers’ view of time in the material universe. Finally,
this study recommends that there is a compelling need to study the roles of subject
markers in expressing tense and aspect in the language.
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