csubj:cleft
: relative clause modifier
There are two constructions that use a copula and a relative clause modifier, ‘S ann and ‘S e.
- ‘S ann or Sann fronts adjectives, adverbs, APs, PPs and adverbial clauses.
- If what has been fronted has no overt subject, as is the case for adjectives, adverbs, APs and PPs, then it is linked to the relative clause modifier by
csubj:cleft
. - However, if it is itself a clause with an explicit head, then see
csubj:outer
.
- If what has been fronted has no overt subject, as is the case for adjectives, adverbs, APs and PPs, then it is linked to the relative clause modifier by
- ‘S e or ‘Se fronts an NP, which is linked to a relative clause modifier of indefinite reference by
csubj:cleft
. - Where there is a definite NP, this is not in a relative clause but linked by
nsubj
.
Examples
- Air m’ onair, ‘s e gnothaich cudromach a tha sa chontract. “On my honour, the contract is important business.” (f02_078)
- Sann á bàrdachd a bha iad a’ faighinn am beò-shlàint. “It is from poetry they were getting their livelihood.” (pw07_037)
csubj:cleft in other languages: [ga] [gd] [gv] [la]