Two kinds of focus constructions in K'iche'

Abstract

Based on original fieldwork data, I argue for a difference in meaning between two focus constructions in K'iche' (Mayan). In particular, I show that the interpretation of focus constructions with aree 'FOC' gives rise to existence and exhaustivity implications (the latter when they are used as answers), both of which do not necessarily arise from the interpretation of focus constructions without aree. I discuss how to analyze these implications and review previous approaches to similar phenomena. I also develop a dynamic account that captures the empirical generalizations I propose.