Expresión de propiedades y cualidades en p'orhepecha

Abstract

In this paper; the codification of adjective notions in p’orhepecha is discussed. Two basic questions are analyzed from a typological perspective. First; in order to determine the existence of an adjective class; attributive and predicative functions are investigated and it is shown that the codification of most properties is fulfilled by verb forms. Second; I investigate which is the inherent aspect of such verb forms. Against Foster’s and Friedrich's proposal about the stative nature of this kind of verbs; based on the present meaning of the “past/perfect” marker; I claim that they are inchoative predicates. The function of the “past/perfect” marker as a perfect of result explains the reading ‘X is Y’ that such marker exhibits with these verbs. In conclusion; the preponderant lexicalization pattern for adjective notions corresponds to dynamic verbs; which allow the derivation of stative forms; such as states and qualities.