Evidentiality in Middle Classical Tibetan

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of Evidentiality in Middle Classical Tibetan. This is of great importance since Middle Classical Tibetan is the oldest system in typological studies yet identified that uses evidentiality beginning in at least the 15th century. This article also highlights the distinction between the notions of information source and information access in an evidential system. By using a morphosyntactic approach, the usage of evidentiality can be properly described in that language. Specifically, certain types of highly complex copula and auxiliary verb constructions, which had not been previously analyzed, can be used to demonstrate how evidentiality is grammaticalized in Middle Classical Tibetan. This approach avoids the pitfalls of lexical-only analyses, which have previously not been able to support a comprehensive and accurate description of evidentiality. Further, the intricate interaction between evidentiality, aspect, and epistemic modality reveals the subtlety and complexity of the system. Finally, the interaction between evidentiality and politeness register, reveals discursive complex social relationships which have not been previously described and the importance of social deixis in the study of evidentiality.