Within LLACAN, Katya Aplonova analyzed complex verbal predicates in Ginyanga, a Kwa language spoken in Togo.
Katya Aplonova, researcher at LLACAN (École Pratique des Hautes Études).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale Langues, littératures et sociétés du monde (1997-... ; Paris).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The study of African languages, and in particular Kwa languages, is often neglected in linguistic research. However, Katya Aplonova's thesis on complex verbal predicates in Ginyanga, a language spoken in Togo, opens up interesting perspectives. Relying on firsthand data collected between 2019 and 2025, Aplonova proposes an in-depth analysis that goes beyond simple grammatical descriptions. She highlights unique characteristics of complex predicates in Ginyanga that deserve to be better understood and documented.
The results of this research are revealing. They show that complex predicates in Ginyanga possess distinct semantic and structural properties, which differentiate them from other Kwa languages. This specificity raises questions about how these languages interact and evolve within the broader linguistic context of West Africa. How might these characteristics influence local communication and culture?
The methodology adopted, based on the ComPLETE project, allows for a typological approach that enriches our understanding of linguistic dynamics. By using an illustrative corpus, Aplonova provides a perspective on the use of complex predicates in natural discourse, which is essential for grasping their structural status and semantic function.
It is crucial to consider the impact of this research on the documentation of African languages. The Ginyanga language, like other endangered languages, requires special attention to preserve its cultural and linguistic heritage. Aplonova's work contributes to this documentation but also raises questions about current language policies. How can policymakers integrate these findings into strategies for preserving and promoting local languages?
In summary, Katya Aplonova's thesis represents a significant advancement in the study of Kwa languages. It enriches the field of linguistic typology and calls for broader reflection on the place of African languages in the global linguistic landscape.
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Sources and Access
Katya Aplonova. Verbal complex predicates in Ginyanga (Kwa). Linguistics. Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales- INALCO PARIS - LANGUES O', 2025. English. ⟨NNT : 2025INAL0024⟩. ⟨tel-05356818v2⟩
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