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8 Non-verbal predication in the so-called Paleosiberian languages

  • Brigitte Pakendorf
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Abstract

This chapter describes non-verbal predication in a number of so-called Paleo­siberian languages, namely Ket, Kolyma Yukaghir, Chukchi, Alyutor, and Nivkh on the basis of information found in published descriptions. There is considerable diversity in how these languages express non-verbal predication, not only as compared to each other, but also within each language, with differences in the constructions used for different semantic types, in the way non-verbal predication is negated, and in the marking of the nominal predicate. A typologically rare feature found in all the languages included in this overview except Nivkh is their use of some form of predicative inflection.

Abstract

This chapter describes non-verbal predication in a number of so-called Paleo­siberian languages, namely Ket, Kolyma Yukaghir, Chukchi, Alyutor, and Nivkh on the basis of information found in published descriptions. There is considerable diversity in how these languages express non-verbal predication, not only as compared to each other, but also within each language, with differences in the constructions used for different semantic types, in the way non-verbal predication is negated, and in the marking of the nominal predicate. A typologically rare feature found in all the languages included in this overview except Nivkh is their use of some form of predicative inflection.

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