Noun phrase accessibility to relativization in Herero and Nama

Abstract

Keenan and Comrie have established a universal hierarchy reflecting the accessibility of different noun phrases to relativization. In this article the validity of some of the postulated universals is tested on an observational basis with data from Herero and Nama. Herero employs inter alia an intra-nominal strategy not typical of Bantu. Some evidence from universals supports the view that Bantu subject concords are not pronouns per se. The flexibility of Nama syntax becomes apparent, as compared to Bantu.