Author(s) :

Ongaye Oda Orkaydo.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This paper discusses aspects of the structure of spatial expressions in Konso, a Cushitic language spoken in southwest Ethiopia. Spatial expressions in Konso employ the use of locatives, directionals, and postpositions. Derived locatives indicate an extension of location further away from the deictic centre. Postpositions occur with a low, central unrounded vowel which appears short or long. The quality of the vowel at the end of postpositions brings change in interpretation. Much of the spatial orientations are derived from landscape and natural environment. These spatial orientations operate on the linguistic frame of reference based on a vertical opposition between “uphill” and “downhill”, with a third element crossing the plane at the horizontal level. Directionals referring to the ‘west’ and ‘east’ are derived from the natural phenomena involving the direction of the sun setting and rising. Conversely, Konso does not have directional terms that correspond to ‘north’ and ‘south’.

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