Differential coding of property concepts in the world’s languages

Abstract

The adjective is a heterogeneous category and has been subject to long-standing disputes in the previous literature (e.g. Chomsky 1970, Dixon 1977, Schachter 1985). In this talk, I discuss the differential coding of property concepts in the world’s languages, which is also known as “split adjectives” (Wetzer 1992, 1996; Stassen 1997) or “adjective classes” (Dixon 2004). The differential coding phenomenon is typically shown by either structural coding (e.g. using a relativizer for modification, or using a copula for predication) or inflectional potential (e.g. gender, case markers). I claim that there is a universal pattern for the differential coding of property concepts, despite the formal variation across languages. 

Please contact Ludger Paschen for the Zoom-Link.

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