Different languages have various ways of marking possession, including distinguishing between alienable and inalienable possessions.
Possession in language can vary greatly from language to language and even within different dialects of the same language.
Deep dives
Importance of Possession in Language
Possession is a linguistic concept that refers to indicating one thing being possessed by another. Different languages have various ways of marking possession, including distinguishing between alienable and inalienable possessions. In alienable possessions, which typically include body parts and family members, the possessive relationship is inherent and cannot be separated. Many languages use different syntax or markers to indicate possession, such as dropping possessive particles or using different prepositions. Some languages even have verb modifiers and noun modifiers that can be combined to express different shades of possession. However, the order of these modifiers is not specified in the podcast episode.
The Unique Challenges of Inalienable versus Alienable Possession
Inalienable and alienable possessions present unique challenges in language. Inalienable possessions typically include body parts and family members and are inherently possessed. However, aliens like dogs in some Native American languages can be treated as either inalienable or alienable depending on cultural significance. Different languages use a variety of markers to distinguish inalienable from alienable possession. Some languages indicate possession by changing the possessive particle, while others have completely different markers or prefixes/suffixes. Some languages even mark possession on the possessor, while others mark it on the possessed. Additionally, there are languages that distinguish between tributeive possession (e.g., my book) and predicative possession (e.g., I have a book).
The Weirdness of Possession in Verbs and Nouns
Possession can result in some unique and interesting features in language. For example, some languages express possession in verbs by modifying the subject and direct object, such as in Navajo. Other languages, like English and French, use reflexive verbs to indicate possession. Some languages also have multiple options for expressing possession, like ancient Greek, which uses various markers such as genitives, possessive pronouns, and dedicated verbs. Verb modifiers and noun modifiers can also be used to express possession in different ways. However, the order of these modifiers is often not specified, making it challenging to determine the correct order in which to combine them.
Possession and Language Variation
Possession in language can vary greatly from language to language and even within different dialects of the same language. Some languages use different syntax, markers, or verbs to indicate possession, while others rely on context and relationship markers. The concept of possession also extends beyond physical possessions and can include ownership, connection, and affiliation. Additionally, the use of possessive markers or constructions can vary based on social, cultural, and linguistic factors. Overall, possession is a complex and fascinating aspect of language that contributes to its diversity and richness.
After some observations about the merits of Star Wars and plastic chopsticks, we tell you all kinds of stuff about possession: alienable vs inalienable, various marking strategies, “to have” and more. Oh, and we talk about Abakwi. Top of Show Greeting: rejistanian Conlang: Abakwi Feedback: Email from Matt Pearson: Hi George, I finally had a... Read more »
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