Spatial Features Encoded in the Preverbs of Zan Languages Group
Preverb in Zan language groups (Megrelian and Laz languages) is a principal prefix which, in combination with verb roots and stems referring to dynamicity and stativity (in association with other functional elements), is involved in organizing of space, and by means of which we establish spatial relations.Similarly to other Kartvelian languages, spatial features, encoded in the Zan preverb, in fact describe a direction (landmark, path) of movement of a subject (figure) of motion and its relation with other im/mobile objects in space (person, thing). As different from simple ones, Zan derived preverbs provide information about topological or landscape features of a place; therefore, we refer to them as locative, while to simple ones – as orienting.