Non-spatial setting in white Hmong

Dixon (2010a,b, 2012) presents an excellent introduction to a framework for documenting a language's grammar. One portion of this is Non-spatial Setting, i.e., the grammatical marking of time, aspect, and other material. The aim of this thesis is to apply this portion of Dixon's framework to White Hmong (Hmong-Mien, Laos). The thesis first looks at typologically similar languages from the region, considers the nature of grammaticalization, and then discusses the Non-spatial Setting system of White Hmong itself. It is found that White Hmong possesses a system that includes Lexical Time Words, positive and negative Irrealis intertwined with a system of Modality, Degree of Certainty markers, and a group of Phase of Activity-marking verbs. There are five Completion morphemes--three Perfect and two Imperfect--and two Completion-marking strategies. Finally, there is one Speed morpheme that marks slowness. Some implications for Non-spatial Setting in general are also briefly discussed.