Verbal Triplication Morphology in Stau (Mazi Dialect)

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the first documentation and analysis of a typologically remarkable process of verbal triplication in the Stau language (Sino‐Tibetan). Moreover, Stau's triplication of verbs to index multiple agents (S/A) is also used pragmatically to highlight those agents. Stau's verbal triplication, although unique in many regards, falls into a broader typological linguistic pattern of iconicity, demonstrating that there is often a strong tie between form and function.