Datapoint Papiamentu/Focusing of the noun phrase

Muysken (1977) describes the properties of ta-fronting as similar to those of wh-movement, including the possibility of a long distance relation. The presence of the highlighter is not required, however.

Values

Bare fronting (without particle) Frequency: 50.0%

Example 47-212:
Bo buki mi a lesa.
Bo
2sg
buki
book
mi
1sg
a
pfv
lesa.
read
(It is) your book I read.

Source: Muller 1989: 109

Example 47-213:
Un florin ela fia Leo.
Un
indf
florin
guilder
el
3sg
a
pfv
fia
lend
Leo.
Leo
A guilder (is what) he lent Leo.

Source: Muller 1989: 135

Confidence:
Very certain

Cleft with copula before focus Frequency: 50.0%

Example 47-214:
Ta un florin ela fia Leo.
Ta
cop
un
indf
florin
guilder
el
3sg
a
pfv
fia
lend
Leo.
Leo
(It is) a guilder (that) he lent Leo.

Source: Muller 1989: 136

Example 47-215:
Ta e kakalaka e vruminganan a kome.
Ta
cop
e
def
kakalaka
cockroach
e
def
vruminga
ant
nan
pl
a
pfv
kome.
eat
It is the cockroach that the ants have eaten.

Source: Muller 1983: 43

Confidence:
Very certain