Prototypes and Fuzziness in the System and Usage of Apachean Classificatory Verb Stems.

Alaska Native Language Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Box 757680, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7680 (Papers not sold individually; proceedings, $10 plus $3.95 shipping). Tel: 907-474-7874; Web site: http:/www.uaf.edu/anlc/index/html.

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Apache; Athapascan Languages; Distinctive Features (Language); Grammar; Morphology (Languages); Navajo; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning; Structural Analysis (Linguistics); Syntax; Uncommonly Taught Languages; Verbs

This paper examines some of the rarely discussed aspects of Apachean classificatory verb stems with particular reference to Navajo and Western Apache. It is asserted that the concept of prototypes (and associated fuzziness) is useful in a description of Apachean classificatory verb stems, and that it can be used at two logically distinct levels of description: at the level of description of prototypical classificatory verb stems; and at the level of meaning and usage of a particular classificatory stem. (Contains 35 references.) (KFT)

2002

ED459614