Work

Differential object marking in Western Malayo-Polynesian symmetrical voice languages

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Differential object marking (DOM) is known from a great variety of language families. We present data suggesting that, contrary to what is suggested in recent typological surveys, DOM is also a widespread phenomenon in Austronesian symmetrical voice languages. To do this, we show why the identification of DOM constructions in these languages is difficult, propose a definition for DOM that takes note of the peculiarities of symmetrical voice systems, and briefly review three types of DOM systems attested in the area. Our findings have implications for claims regarding the universality of DOM, and quality control in compiling large-scale typological databases.

Source: Linguistic Typology

DOI: 10.1515/lingty-2024-0002

Authors: Svenja Bonmann, Sonja Riesberg, Nikolaus P. Himmelmann

Institutions: University of Cologne, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Language: English

Topic: Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation

Subfield: Language and Linguistics

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Awards: G452762234, SFB 1252: Prominenz in Sprache