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Article published In: Diachronica
Vol. 38:1 (2021) ► pp.25–63

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On the nature of inverse systems

The rise of inverse marking via antipassive constructions

 | University of Regensburg | University of Oregon
Published online: 4 December 2020
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https://doi.org/10.1075/dia.18055.kon
Abstract
Previous theoretical discussion about inverse systems has largely revolved around the synchronic and diachronic relationship between the inverse and the passive. In contrast, this study argues for the antipassive origins of two inverse constructions in Monsang (Trans-Himalayan), which are used for 3→SAP and 2→1 scenarios. This questions central assumptions from previous accounts about the functional motivation underlying inverse systems, and suggests that strategies of avoiding overt reference may be at play. The diachronic pathway proposed here connects the traditional inverse with other special marking patterns that involve speech act participant objects, in particular the “pseudo-inverse” construction of innovative first person object indexation.
Résumé
Les travaux portant sur les systèmes direct-inverse se sont concentrés, jusqu’à présent, sur les rapports synchroniques et diachroniques que ceux-ci entretiennent avec la voix passive. La présente étude soutient pour sa part que c’est à partir de constructions antipassives que se sont développées deux constructions direct-inverse du monsang (langue trans-himalayenne) servant au marquage des relations syntaxiques 3 > 1/2 et 2 > 1. Ce cas de développement d’antipassif à direct-inverse remet en question certains présupposés fondamentaux des études précédentes quant aux motivations fonctionnelles qui sous-tendraient les systèmes direct-inverse. Il suggère qu’éviter la référence explicite peut faire partie de ces motivations. L’hypothèse d’évolution diachronique ici proposée met en rapport les systèmes direct-inverse classiques avec d’autres systèmes inhabituels de marquage de relations syntaxiques impliquant une première ou une deuxième personne objet, et en particulier avec la construction “pseudo-inverse” servant à l’indexation innovatrice d’une première personne objet.
Zusammenfassung
In der theoretischen Diskussion um Invers-Systeme steht generell die syn- und diachrone Beziehung zwischen Invers und Passiv im Vordergrund. Im Gegensatz dazu ist es das Ziel dieser Studie, den Ursprung zweier Invers-Konstruktionen in einem Antipassiv nachzuweisen in Monsang (Trans-Himalayisch), wo Inversmarkierung in 3→SAP und 2→1 Szenarien zu finden ist. Dadurch stellt diese Studie zentrale Annahmen vorheriger Erklärungsansätze für die funktionale Motivation von Invers-Systemen in Frage. Ein neuer möglicher Erklärungsansatz liegt in der Vermeidung overter Referenz. Die vorgeschlagene diachrone Entwicklung verbindet das traditionelle Invers-System mit anderen speziellen Markierungssystemen für Sprechaktpartizipanten als Objekte, insbesondere die „Pseudo-Invers-Konstruktion“, d.h. die innovative Markierung von erster Person als Objekt.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Diachronic sources of inverse markers cross-linguistically
  • 3.Background on Monsang
    • 3.1Postverbal and preverbal person marker sets
    • 3.2Transitivity
  • 4.Antipassive origins for Monsang inverse constructions
    • 4.1Mixed paradigm
    • 4.2Postverbal paradigm
    • 4.3Transitivity of inverse verb forms
    • 4.4Comparison with intransitive person indexation
    • 4.5Antipassive origins
  • 5.Taking a step back: Origins of antipassive constructions
    • 5.1Antipassive from detransitivization via ŋ-
    • 5.2Antipassive from nominalization via i-
    • 5.3Summary
  • 6.Making sense of inverse < antipassive
    • 6.1Antipassive and the “pseudo-inverse”
    • 6.2The Yukulta antipassive
    • 6.3Diachronic stages of inverse < antipassive
  • 7.On the nature of inverse marking
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • References
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