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Article published In: Studies in Language
Vol. 49:2 (2025) ► pp.289–336

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Between VO and OV in Arabic and Aramaic

A corpus-based typology with implications for word-order shifts

ORCiD logo with link | University of Cambridge
ORCiD logo with link | University of Cambridge
ORCiD logo with link | Universität Bamberg
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Available under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 license.

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Published online: 17 January 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/sl.24027.noo
Abstract
Drawing on a corpus-based typology of 24 spoken dialects of contemporary Arabic and Aramaic, we explore relevant microvariation along the VO-OV spectrum in Central Semitic, which holds implications for the still understudied VO-to-OV shift. While the literature emphasizes that this type of syntactic change is only possible under external pressure, our findings demonstrate that this development is also driven by internal dynamics, in particular the syntax of definite objects. Our study shows a robust tendency for pronouns and definite object NPs to be selected first for preverbal placement; being originally left-dislocated topics with resumption, this at times results also in higher rates of object cross-referencing. Furthermore, this corpus-based typology also highlights the importance of a gradient approach to word order variation and change as well as the importance of studying distinct object types, which, together, help us document mixed systems that in themselves can be diachronically stable.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Data and methods
    • 2.1Corpus
    • 2.2Methodology
    • 2.3Predictor variables
      • 2.3.1Topicality: Lexicality, definiteness and animacy
      • 2.3.2Coding: Flagging and indexing
      • 2.3.3Co-arguments: Overt subjects
  • 3.General classification: Overall frequency of OV across dialects
    • 3.1Type A: Strong VO doculects within Arabic-speaking milieu
    • 3.2Type B: VO dominant doculects with more flexible word-order
    • 3.3Type C: OV dominant doculects
  • 4.The role of topicality
    • 4.1Lexicality: Pronouns vs. lexical NPs
    • 4.2Definiteness: Definite vs. indefinite NPs
    • 4.3Animacy: Human vs. nonhuman NPs
    • 4.4Wider implications
  • 5.The role of DOF
    • 5.1DOF and topicality
    • 5.2DOF and position
    • 5.3Wider implications
  • 6.The role of DOI
    • 6.1DOI and topicality
    • 6.2DOI and position
      • 6.2.1Type A
      • 6.2.2Type B
      • 6.2.3Type C
    • 6.3Wider implications
  • 7.Null subject clauses
  • 8.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • References
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