Oblique marking system in Somali language : comparison of the common Somali and Karre dialect

Abstract EN

In Somali dialectology, comparisons on oblique marking particles, usually focusing on the similarities or dissimilarities of surface structures (cf.

Lamberti 1986, Tosco 1997), identify the existence of two systems of oblique markers: a system of three markers specific to dialects between the two rivers, and another of four markers which characterizes Common Somali and Benaadir dialect [Maxaa-tiri dialectal group, in general].

Such a comparison does not tell us unfortunately the intimate connection between these two systems.

By conducting a detailed morpho-syntactic comparison between Karre dialect and Common Somali, we are able to perceive the historical relationship between the two systems of oblique marking, as well as the direction of change.

It is also an argument testifying that these dialects belong to the same language.