The status of the particles {te} and {mỹ} of an indigenous language called Pykobjê-Gavião

Abstract

In this paper we describe and analyse two suffix particles, both found in an indigenous language, Pykobjê-Gavião (Macro-Jê Branch, Jê Family, Timbira Group), which are: {te} and {mỹ}. Our discussion is focused on observing what kind of relationship is established between these particles and the cases that, in a surface morphology, are linked to them. We have noted that {te} seems to indicate the ergative case marker and {mỹ} seems to indicate the dative case marker and they keep a complementary relationship. We have questioned whether, in this indigenous language, the case marking is a requirement of a structural case or of an inherent case.