The function of the suffix -tai in Maram language as a definite marker and differential object marker
摘要
This research examines how the suffix ‘−tai’ functions as the definite marker and Differential Object Marker (DOM) in the Maram language. The suffix ‘−tai’ is viewed as signalling a specific object in sentences. This significantly affects the interpretation of the sentence by signalling an object that is known or identifiable. Moreover, the study investigates Maram’s DOM system, which flags verb objects based on their animacy, definiteness, and specificity, among other grammatical and semantic features. This paper will try to delineate how these markers, which can be used separately or jointly, demarcate items. In particular, the suffixes -go and -tai. According to the findings, discourse prominence in a social context influences the markedness of the DOM. Case endings and particles may also function as grammatical strategies for marking object prominence and references. This study of Maram will help the understanding of the morphosyntactic workings of the language, through the analysis of’−tai’ and DOM.