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A dischronic explanation for the origin of OVS in some Carib languages1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2008

Desmond D. Derbyshire
Desmond D. Derbyshire
Affiliation:
University College London
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Extract

Derbyshire and Pullum (1981) report on the evidence they have accumulated during the past two years showing the likely existence of twelve languages with object-initial basic order (OVS or OSV). Such languages are contrary to what had been generally predicted in the literature on word order typology until 1977. All twelve languages are found in what might broadly be termed the Amazon basin of South America. Seven of the eight OVS languages belong to the Carib family: Apalai, Arekuna/Taulipang, Bacairi, Hianacoto-Umaua, Hixkaryana, Makúsi, and Panare. There is not much descriptive linguistic material available for any of these languages, other than Hixkaryana. What there is can be found listed in Derbyshire and Pullum (1979).

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Linguistics , Volume 17 , Issue 2 , September 1981 , pp. 209 - 220
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

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References

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