| dc.description.abstract | Syntactic constituents, particularly Noun Phrases (NPs), are often interpreted as co
referential with other elements within the sentence where both the anaphoric element
and its antecedent appear. Understanding the pragmatics of these NPs is crucial for
interpreting meaning in context. In Lutsotso, anaphoric relations are not only integral
to maintaining discourse coherence but also play a crucial role in the structural
patterning of noun phrases (NPs) that can be accounted for by the available linguistic
models like the Systemic Functional Grammar theory by Halliday and Matthiessen
formulated in 2004. Although existing studies have identified general strategies for
anaphora in Bantu languages, there is a lack of research analysing the specific
mechanisms Lutsotso uses to maintain discourse coherence, particularly in
comparison to other Bantu and non-Bantu languages. This study aimed at analysing
anaphora relations and discourse coherence in Lutsotso. The objectives of the study
were to: classify anaphoric elements in Lutsotso discourse, describe the factors that
shape the distributional patterns of the anaphoric relations in Lutsotso and to account
for the pragmatic interpretation of Lutsotso Anaphors using Systemic Functional
Grammar (SFG) theory (Halliday & Mattheissien, 2004). The study utilised a
linguistic sample of 90 sentences containing anaphoric features. Data was collected
from 10 Lutsotso consultants through informal interviews, observation, and mixed
method elicitation, including the researcher's intuition as a native speaker. Lutsotso
texts were selected based on pragmatic considerations. The analysis was conducted
using content analysis, applying SFG theory (Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004) and
the theory of inflectional morphology (Bauer, 2001; Haspelmath, 2002). Findings
indicate that in Lutsotso’s reflexive constructions, two arguments in an action share
the same reference. Reflexive markers [-i-] or [-eene-] appear to the left of the verb
root, occupying the same morphological slot as the object marker (OM). Reciprocals
also serve as anaphoric elements, with the reciprocal marker [-an]. Anaphoric
elements must agree with their antecedents in features such as noun class and gender.
Additionally, the licensing of reciprocal and reflexive markers depends on verb
transitivity, meaning they occur only in verbs that accommodate an object within the
verb phrase (VP). The study further established that anaphora in Lutsotso functions
as a key cohesive device that sustains discourse coherence by linking clauses,
sentences, and extended stretches of text. Through the strategic use of pronominal,
nominal, and zero anaphora, speakers avoid unnecessary repetition while maintaining
clear referential continuity, thus ensuring that participants and events remain
cognitively accessible throughout the discourse. This cohesive referencing enables
hearers to track meaning across turns and textual units, thereby enhancing both
efficiency and interpretability in communication. Pragmatic context significantly
influences the distribution of anaphoric elements in Lutsotso discourse. This study
enhances linguistic theory by improving the understanding of anaphoric structures,
pragmatic principles, and cross-linguistic variation. The findings have practical
implications for natural language processing and language instruction, contributing
to broader linguistic research. | en_US |
