Getting negatives in Arizona Tewa

This article explores the process of grammaticalization that has lead to innovation a distinct form negation in Arizona Tewa, Kiowa-Tanoan language spoken U. S. southwest. After reviewing comparative linguistic evidence clearly establishes innovative Tewa negative, analysis proceeds examine ethnographic data as means understanding an apparent reanalysis subordinate clause marker obligatory part negative constructions. Such provide strong for viewing powerful role discourse and ideological factors accounting how this grammatical both emerged ultimately came be “preferred” form. Comparative from Australian languages provides additional larger discourses highly influential contexts change.