Preverbal directionals as markers of associated motion in Paluai (Austronesian, Oceanic)

Abstract

This chapter discusses the directional paradigm of Paluai, an Oceanic language spoken on Baluan Island in Manus Province, Papua New Guinea. It shows that these forms are used as preverbal particles not only to indicate direction with motion verbs, but also associated motion (AM) with non-motion verbs. This paper is the first to claim that an AM system based on deictic directionals can clearly be recognized as a category in an Oceanic language, thus setting a precedent for further study of this phenomenon in this particular subgroup, and perhaps also in the Austronesian language family more generally. Secondly, a systematic comparison is made between directionals used either preceding or following the main verb, and it is argued that only the former are attested as markers of AM. It turns out that iconicity is a strong guiding principle in the usage of directionals in Paluai.