Motion Verbs and Space Divisions in the Tutuba Language

Abstract

This paper examines Tutuba, a language spoken in the Republic of Vanuatu, and clarifies how speakers choose between three motion verbs: sae ‘go up’, sivo ‘go down’, and vano ‘go across’. After an giving an overview of these three verbs, this paper examines the expression of motion within Tutuba Island, motion within Espiritu Santo island with its secondary urban center, and motion from Tutuba Island to other islands. It is shown that the choice between the verbs is based on oppositions in three categories: (i) physical up-and-down,

(ii) psychological up-and-down, (iii) historical factors. The relationship between the verbs in these categories is analyzed.