This is the first detailed description of Murui (Bue variety), a Witotoan language spoken by about 2,000 people in the Colombian and Peruvian parts of the Amazon basin. Following the Basic Linguistic Theory, the reference grammar presents analyses of the phonology, morphology and syntax of the Murui language. Collected during several fieldtrips to the Murui communities located between the Putumayo and Caquetá rivers in Colombia, the linguistic data consists mainly of an extensive corpus of texts. In addition to the language description and analysis, the grammar also draws attention to the typological features of Murui and sheds new light on the linguistic variation among the Witotoan languages. It is a valuable resource for further research on the linguistic affiliation of the Witotoan language family in South America.

Candidature Committee

Primary Advisor: Professor Alexandra Aikhenvald

Secondary Advisor: Professor R M W Dixon

Secondary Advisor: Dr Elena Mihas

Independent Academic: Associate Professor Reesa Sorin

Chair: Dr Michael Wood

Room Locations

Cairns: The Cairns Institute, Room D3.063

Townsville: Audio Visual Services Building, Room 9.001