Linguistics

Uralic tree 2 Uralic tree 1 Finno-Ugric language tree after Taagespera Khanty symbol

Origins and branching of Uralic languages — Part 1 of 2: Traditional approaches

At least seven regions around the Urals are favoured among scholars as original home area of Proto-Uralic peoples. Similarly, etymology of Uralic languages is disputed or in parts apparently non-determinable. This article summarizes traditional approaches to historical linguistics concerning Uralic and specifically Finno-Ugric.

Positional auxiliaries ‘stand/sit/lie’ and aspect marking in Mandan

Mandan employs positional auxiliaries specifying the stance as sitting, lying, standing or moving, like other Siouan languages. Semantically implicit is durative aspect, which makes them candidates for aspect marking. These positional auxiliaries can be attached to nouns, thus classifying them by their positional configuration (stance).

An overview over proofing methods for distant etymologic relationship

To establish, verify and prove connections between languages in historical linguistics, i.e. the affiliation to language families, the the primary and basic method is the comparative method. For (possible) distant etymologic relationship however additional specific[…]

Positional continuative markers in Dakotan languages

Siouan languages and most of all the Degiha-branch languages feature a rich classificatory system based on positional markers. Different stages of grammaticalization can be observed within this system. The positional stative verbs ‘be sitting, be standing, be lying’ are inherently continuative by semantics and are predestined for an aspectual function.

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Diachronic syntax: Grammaticalization of Omaha-Ponca ama in different stages — Part 2 of 2

This article (part 2 of 2) describes the process of grammaticalization of the Omaha-Ponca (Siouan, North American) morpheme ama in terms of RRG, including examples employing it in its various stages of grammaticalization.

Diachronic syntax: Grammaticalization of Omaha-Ponca ama in different stages — Part 1 of 2

The three main syntactic functions of the Omaha-Ponca morpheme ama (auxiliary, article, evidential) in their various uses and their semantics and functional variants are analysed under the hypothesis of grammaticalization in different stages. This is part 1 of 2 parts of the article.

A noun classification system based on positional properties of objects in Osage (1 of 2)

In Osage, the distinction between standing, sitting, lying and moving objects is fundamental. This positional configuration is inherent to objects, such that for example a dish will always ‘sit’ on the table surface. Speakers must always use speech elements consistently with the according inherent positional properties of an object. Several elements including aspect auxiliaries, positional articles, postpositions are employed in this system.