Ciucci, Luca, and Bertinetto, Pier Marco (2019) Possessive classifiers in Zamucoan. In: Aikhenvald, Alexandra Y., and Mihas, Elena, (eds.) Genders and Classifiers: A Cross-Linguistic Typology. Explorations in Linguistic Typology . Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, pp. 144-175.

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Abstract

This chapter discusses noun categorization devices in Zamucoan languages (Ayoreo, Chamacoco, and the extinct Old Zamuco), spoken in the Northern Chaco lowlands of South America. It focuses on two categorization devices: (i) a small gender system with masculine/feminine distinction; and (ii) possessive classifiers. The chapter demonstrates that Zamucoan languages display different structures involving the use of possessive classifiers, which agree in gender and number with the possessed. In addition, classifiers mark another grammatical system, the so-called ‘form’, which distinguishes between predicative and argument function of the NP, and, within the argument, between specific and non-specific referent. The chapter concludes that the interaction of classifiers with this peculiar system, and their agreement in gender and number with the possessed, are rare features related to their nominal origin. The chapter suggests that possessive classifiers could be an areal feature of Chaco languages, shared with the Guaycuruan and Mataguayan languages, which also mark gender and number on classifiers.

Item ID:	60956
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-0-19-884201-9
Keywords:	Ayoreo, Chaco language, Chamacoco, gender, inflectional morphology, language contact, possession, possessive classifier, Old Zamuco, Zamucoan
Copyright Information:	© Luca Ciucci and Pier Marco Bertinetto 2019. First published in 2019 by Oxford University Press.
Date Deposited:	14 Nov 2019 04:52
FoR Codes:	47 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 4704 Linguistics > 470409 Linguistic structures (incl. phonology, morphology and syntax) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9502 Communication > 950202 Languages and Literacy @ 100%
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