The syntax and semantics of Gã future markers

Due largely to the overwhelming frequency of the temporal function in the discourse data, I maintain that the primary function of bàá- is as a tense marker and not a modal, as has been suggested by Dakubu (2008). I show that àá- is now reserved primarily for coding epistemic modality.

Gã is therefore unique among Kwa languages, which have been said to be tenseless. This study uncovers previously unreported non-temporal uses of bàá- and clarifies the situation regarding the semantic differences between the two markers. Reference Dakubu, Mary Esther Kropp 2008.