The indicator particle "baa" in Somali.

Abstract

This paper deals with focalization, a predominant phenomenon in Somali. The article shows that the distribution of the various forms of the focus marker baa, as well as the distribution of subject clitics in subordinate clauses, can be given a unified account if matrix clauses in Somali are analyzed as cleft constructions._-_Qoraalku wuxuu darsaa ifafaalaha diiradaynta: ifafaalo xoog ku leh af-soomaaliga. Maqaalku wuxuu muujinayaa in filiqsanaanta qaababka kala duwan ee diiradeeyaha baa, sida filiqsanaanta magacuyaallada dhiman ee yeelaha ah ee ku dhexjira weeraha dhiman, waxaa loo fasiri karaa si midaysan haddii weer-aasaasi kasta ee soomaaliyeed loo baaro sidii weer dhismeedka "cleft"._-_L’articolo si concentra sulla focalizzazione, un fenomeno predominante in somalo. L'articolo dimostra che la distribuzione delle varie forme del focus marker baa, così come la distribuzione dei clitici soggetto nelle frasi subordinate, può essere spiegata in modo univoco se ogni frase principale in somalo viene analizzata come una costruzione scissa.