ABSTRACT
This chapter provides supporting argumentation for the syntactic positions assumed of the negative morphemes in Chapter 3. Section 5.1 focuses on the syntax of two of the principal CMN complex negators—the ekâ negator and the nama negator. In Western Naskapi, the nama negator surfaces as the proclitic mi-. The syntax of the Sheshatshu Innu-aimun (Montagnais) main clause negator, apû, is also discussed in this section. Section 5.2 examines two Sheshatshu Innu-aimun constructions which are different from comparable structures in other CMN dialects: main clause past tense affirmative wh-questions, which have an Independent (rather than the expected Conjunct) verb; and the negated equivalent which, although the verb is obligatorily Conjunct, has the apû negator rather than the ekâ negator required in main clause Conjunct clauses in all other CMN dialects. Concluding remarks appear in section 5.3.
