Multiple Pluralization Strategies in Akan: A Split Number Approach
Comfort AhenkorahAbstract
Recent work on number has shown that number features may be distributed across different layers of nominal structure. Akan provides a revealing case: multiple number morphemes can occur within a single nominal and differ in their distribution and interpretation. This paper argues that these patterns reflect a split nominal architecture in which number is distributed across three functional heads: a low nominalizing head, a higher renominalizing head associated with humanness, and a Num head. Each plural morpheme realizes a distinct structural position and may make a different semantic contribution. The analysis provides new evidence for split number in Niger-Congo languages and for the relationship between morphological realization and syntactic structure.