Dependent Numerals in Kaqchikel

Abstract

This chapter provides an empirical overview of dependent numerals in the Mayan language Kaqchikel. The strategy is to divide the phenomenon along a few core parameters that are known to be relevant to the distribution of these distributed numerals cross-linguistically. First, it considers the space of dependent expressions in Kaqchikel in general, comparing numerals to other quantificational expressions known to have dependent readings in other languages. It then looks at which expressions are able to license the appearance of dependent numerals, considering a variety of quantificational expressions, with different syntactic and semantic properties, including aspectual and pluractional morphemes. It then explores how syntax mediates licensing. In particular, it looks at what syntactic configurations are possible between a dependent numeral and its licensor, including interclausal relationships. Finally, the chapter examines the precise semantic relationship between licensor and dependent numeral. More pointedly, it considers what it means to exhibit dependence.