Multifunctionality of the verbal suffix ʧɁ e ~ -kɁ e and analepsis in Nivaĉle (Mataguayo family, Gran Chaco region)

The aim of this paper is to chart the multifunctionality of the verbal suffix -ʧɁ e ~ -kɁ e which, according to the context, can be described as a analeptic marker (3), a (locative) applicative (4.1), a plural/distributive marker (4.2), or an associated motion suffix itive (4.3). A comparison with the other languages of the Mataguayo family (Maká, Chorote, and Wichí/’Weenhayek) will show that in all of them, the cognate morpheme shares a similar constellation of typologically highly unusual features.