Topic in Hadiyya

Abstract

Abstract
This study analyzes and describes topic in Hadiyya (Highland East Cushitic) from
the perspective of the theory of Functional Grammar (Dik 1997). Based on data
obtained from native speakers and exploiting introspection, the study investigates
how a topic is introduced, maintained, and reintroduced as well as how a subtopic is
associated with a given topic. Hadiyya marks topic morphologically, lexically and
syntactically. Phonology plays little role. The syntactic mechanism involves basic
word order change, topicalization, dislocation, and passivization.
Keywords: [Hadiyya, Cushitic, topic, topicalization, information structure]