On -c and ki Particles in Georgian

摘要

This paper considers the Georgian particles ki and -c. These particles are frequently used, separately as well as together. They have different meanings, but both of them can have a focusing function: emphasizing a word or a phrase they are attached to. In spite of having similar or even the same semantic features, the particles ki and -c cannot substitute for each other. One reason for this is that -c is a bound form and ki is not. They never substitute for each other but they very often occur together and they are much more emphatic when they are used together. The dominating element in building up the meaning of -c ki is -c, which is stronger in emphasis. -c ki is used to emphasize something unexpected or surprising. These particles are rendered in English by 'even'.