Semantic representation: a study of the usage and development of characteristic Okinawan verb forms and case particles

Abstract

To summarize, the purpose of this thesis is to record clearly some fundamental semantic notions peculiar to Okinawan in its verbal and particle systems. Whether for OSL or linguistic research, these notions will be tracked from their beginnings in the proto-language to their expression in the modern language. The CG model will be used to encapsulate and display these semantic notions, as well as show how grammaticalization processes are at work through time. Finally, the semantic distinctions charted in earlier sections will be compared to their presentation in a selection of modern texts and teaching materials, to see if improvement is needed for preservation.