Overt Topic Marking and Discourse Coherence in Pesh: Between Correlation and Divergence

Abstract:In Pesh (Chibchan, Honduras), the topic marker =ma is generally not used for continuing topics or in topic shifts with accessible reference; use of =ma with a topic NP is correlated with thematic discontinuity or referent complexity, including shifted or contrastive topics, antitopics, frame-setting topics, and some continuing topics. Topic constituents other than antitopics are usually clause-initial, and all are marked by particular prosodic characteristics. Four uses of =ma do not fit this characterization: with personal pronouns (especially first person); in stacking of several constituents in the same clause or intonation unit; in relativization of subjects; and as a mark of certain kinds of embedded clauses.