Focus in Oromo

Abstract

This paper attempts to describe focused structures in Dromo in light of the generative framework of Chomsky [1976, 1981, 1986] and Williams [1977]. The framework recognizes two levels of grammar: sentence and discourse. Focus is believed to be part of the latter.Three types of focus have been identified in relation to the four major syntactic categories of the language. In NP's the feature is realized as /-tu/, in VPs as /hin-/, and in PP's as /-da/. These elements are not part of the inflectional or derivational morphology of the language. Adjectives use prosodic or structural devices when focused. The structural device is clefting, which the other categories also employ in addition to the elements mentioned above.