Karl J. Franklin

Engan pronouns and their old endings

Abstract The Engan Family of languages includes a number of languages and dialects that are part of the Trans New Guinea Phylum (TNGP) languages, a subgroup of the large and tentative group referred to as ‘Papuan’ languages. Such languages generally have a system of free pronominal forms which occur in cross‐reference with fused verb suffixes. I examine the free forms in particular and draw attention to the reflexes and retentions of old endings in present day pronouns. I then attempt to reconstruct the basic forms and their endings for Proto‐Engan. Because the evidence for sets of old endings goes beyond their use in Engan, I examine a number of languages which are located adjacent to the family as well. Finally, I briefly give evidence that there are other endings reflected in Papuan languages that are found on word classes other than pronouns.

Complaints in Kewa Letters

In this study, we examine 63 letters written in West Kewa by a Papua New Guinean man (called Yombo throughout) to Karl Franklin and his family over a period of fifteen years. We first discuss the ways complaints have been handled by various authors. We then provide a brief background to the Kewa culture before analyzing the pragmatic context of speech acts that disclose various complaints in a sampling of the letters. The classification and modification of the complaints have benefitted in particular from the theories of A. Trosborg, and also J. House and G. Kasper. We relate the complaints to various cultural scenarios and scripts in order to show how Yombo complains and what he is complaining about. He often avoids direct confrontation and mitigates the offense. The study also demonstrates how a newly literate man uses various styles and features from his language (West Kewa) to discuss the events in his life and to complain about some of them.

Interpreting Values Cross-Culturally “With Special Reference to Insulting People!”

This essay approaches communication from an unexpected quarter — insults. In the final analysis communicating the Gospel involves communicating the mighty acts of God in Christ within the context of values. Since insults are directly related to cultural values, they become important to those concerned with effective communication of the Gospel. Dr. Franklin explains how by identifying the various components of values they can be judged vis-à-vis supernatural values, aiding the communicator in knowing which values need “conversion”.

TAGMEMICS AND TAGMEMIC RULES

The purpose of this article is twofold: first of all it attempts to bring together into one place certain salient aspects of the linguistic model known as tagmemics. In so doing several criticisms are taken into account as well as replies to them; secondly, the article attempts to outline the kinds of rule format which have been introduced within, or almost within, the tagmemic model. The article closes with some proposals for tagmemic rules.