A Frame Semantics approach to lexemic structure: Uncovering the truth about Maa a-síp

Abstract

A Frame Semantics analysis determines the stereotypic semantic elements which are cognitively understood when one "knows" a given lexeme. Knowledge of such frame elements accounts for felicitous use of lexemes, and for how communication may proceed effectively even when some frame elements are not overtly instantiated. Multiple senses of a lexeme may arise from specific lexical complements chosen to instantiate frame elements. The Maa lexeme SIP is argued to have the basic frame structure of 'X thoroughly removes Z from Y (such that Y enters a new state)' Complement choices correlate with a wide range of senses, from 'make smooth, clean/clear (by licking, weeding, sweeping, burning, etc.), bless (a journey), destroy, kill, beat, tell/determine the complete truth, be certain, make verbal points in a meeting, do (something) thoroughly/effectively' and 'succeed', to an arguably epistemic modal use. What was historically a single lexeme may develop into multiple homophones partly by stereotypic lexical choices for, and by cognitive "supression" or "enhancement" of, frame elements. In this way, an intransitive verb centering on meanings of 'truth' and 'certainty' may be emerging from the otherwise transitive lexeme SIP.

Personality structure in east and west Africa: Lexical studies of personality in Maa and Supyire-Senufo.

“…Identifying terms for the survey started with a comprehensive dictionary of the Maa language with English glosses compiled by Payne and Kotikash (2003), following the procedure outlined by Angleitner, Ostendorf, and John (1990). Gerard Saucier and a doctoral student in psychology extracted all terms whose English gloss, in the judgment of either, could be used to distinguish the behavior or psychology of one individual from another: to characterize a person, say what they are like, or convey their qualities at one moment or in general.…”

Jumping is not just about height: Biosocial becomings as an integrative approach in understanding contextualized jump performance in Maasai society

“…The stick is used as an extension of the body during communication, such as pointing in a formal meeting to give one's opinions [36]. In daily life, Maasai use different terms to describe jump practices [37,38]. The hypernym term aipid, to jump, generally indicates all different forms of jumping movements.…”