The syntax of subject nominalizations in Gĩkũyũ

Mugane (1997) identifies two types of individual-denoting nominalizations (e.g., a singer) in Gĩkũyũ: the [mu…i]-type (big subject nominalizations) and the [mu…a]-type (small subject nominalizations). He argues that big subject nominalizations are phrasal and that small subject nominalizations exhibit a paradoxical nature, displaying both lexical and syntactic properties. This work revisits Mugane’s characterization of the lexicon-syntax divide. Applying Wood’s (2023) complex head analysis originally developed for Icelandic nominalizations, I demonstrate that Gĩkũyũ small subject nominalizations can be explained within a syntactic framework without resorting to the lexicon. The analysis reveals that what has been perceived as a paradox can be resolved and that syntax can account for both types of Gĩkũyũ nominalizations.

Soo-Hwan Lee is a postdoctoral researcher working with Marlyse Baptista in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania. His research primarily focuses on syntax and morphology. A theoretical framework he adopts is Distributed Morphology. One of his ongoing projects focuses on how nominal arguments are represented and licensed in syntax. He also examines the syntactic size of (non-)derived nominals by drawing evidence from understudied and underrepresented Bantu languages.

This is a 2024-2025 Colloquium event and a full schedule for Fall semester for the series will be released soon. Registration for Colloquium events is not required. There are two ways to receive details and virtual meeting information:

• Sign up for the Colloquium listserv: you will receive an email about every event, including virtual meeting information when the event is remote or hybrid
• Request to receive information for the next upcoming event only

Upcoming:

• October 25, 2025 - Professional Development Series: Finding effective topics for research - A UMN panel discussion featuring Claire Halpert, Anna Lubowicz, Morgan Staley, and Diti Bhadra