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In:Advances in Iranian Linguistics
Edited by Richard K. Larson, Sedigheh Moradi and Vida Samiian
[Current Issues in Linguistic Theory 351] 2020
► pp. 155–172

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Chapter 9
Another look at Persian rā

A single formal analysis of a multi-functional morpheme

 | University of Arizona
 | University of Arizona
Published online: 22 July 2020
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/cilt.351.09kar
Abstract
The morpheme -rā has typically been analyzed as an instance of differential object marking, appearing on direct objects that are definite or in some sense specific. In this chapter, we discuss several cases in which -rā may appear on DPs that are not direct objects. Building on insights from dependent case theory (Marantz 1991; Baker & Vinokurova 2010, Preminger 2011, 2014, Kornfilt & Preminger 2014), we develop an analysis of -rā, according to which it is the realization of accusative case, treated as a dependent case assigned in syntax, and a specificity feature. In addition to accounting for the facts discussed in the context of Modern Persian, we show how an extension of our analysis can account for the distribution of -rā in Classical Modern Persian.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Data
  • 3.Theoretical background
  • 4.Analysis
  • 5.Prediction
  • 6.Classical Modern Persian
  • 7.Concluding remarks
  • Notes
  • References
References (35)
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