The Algonquian Inverse

This book provides a comprehensive and empirically driven analysis of the inverse morphology in Algonquian languages. It explores the patterning of inverse morphology across the family and proposes a framework for understanding its structure and function. The key proposal is that the inverse is deep in some contexts and shallow in others, reflecting the likely diachronic development of the construction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This comprehensive book provides a definitive reference for the intricate study of the inverse morphology of the Algonquian languages, a field that has garnered significant attention in typological and theoretical linguistics. Will Oxford delves into the intricate patterns of inverse morphology across the Algonquian family, offering a framework for understanding the structure and function of this fascinating linguistic phenomenon. Through his meticulous analysis, Oxford presents data from all documented Algonquian languages, considering not only the morphology of the inverse construction but also its syntax and pragmatics, giving equal weight to diachronic, typological, functional, and formal perspectives. By integrating these diverse viewpoints, he crafts a coherent and insightful understanding of the nature of the inverse.

One of the key proposals made in this book is that the inverse exhibits a dual nature in certain contexts and a more shallow manifestation in others. In interactions between two third persons, the inverse takes on a deep patient voice construction, inverting the canonical morphology, syntax, and pragmatics of a transitive clause. This innovative analysis sheds light on the likely diachronic development of the Algonquian inverse, resolving a longstanding controversy over its syntactic status.

Furthermore, the book explores the diverse benefits of this split analysis, which reflects the complex evolution of the Algonquian inverse. It enables a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between morphology, syntax, and pragmatics, contributing to a deeper appreciation of the linguistic complexities of the Algonquian languages. The book's comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis make it an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and researchers interested in Algonquian linguistics, typology, and language evolution.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 243 x 166 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192871800