Reconstructions

Note

Base forms of free pronouns are often difficult to decide. Although the most common form for the first person plural exclusive pronoun is a reflex of *kami, both Formosan and Malayo-Polynesian evidence suggests that the base was *ami, with *k-ami containing a prefix of uncertain function. Blust (1977:8-9) suggested that *kaSu ‘2sg’ next to *iSu ‘2sg.’ arose from *ka-iSu through a blend of the first syllable of *kamu ‘2pl.’ with the 2sg. base, and Ross (2006:533) has suggested that this pattern was extended to other persons and numbers; the matter remains unsettled.

A number of CEMP languages have lost *k- through regular sound change, and reflexes like ami are assigned to *k-ami on the assumption that they reflect the more common form. In assembling data for this comparison and other pronounsI have benefitted from Ross (2006:533-534) for Formosan languages, Tsuchida, Yamada and Moriguchi (1987:19-23) for Bashiic, Reid (1971) for most Philippine minor languages, Lobel (2016) for Sabahan, and Pawley (1972) for eastern Oceanic. Phonological irregularities are to be expected in pronouns, which are often compressed, or reworked without losing the inherited morphemes.