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Introduction published In: Areal Effects on Argument-Coding Patterns
Edited by Daria Alfimova, Kirill Kozhanov and Sergey Say
[Studies in Language 49:4] 2025
► pp. 757–777

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Introduction

Areal effects on argument-coding patterns

Problems, progress, and prospects

ORCiD logo with link | University of Potsdam
ORCiD logo with link | University of Potsdam
ORCiD logo with link | University of Potsdam
Published online: 6 October 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/sl.25057.koz
Abstract
This article introduces the special issue on valency-related phenomena, with a focus on the areal dimension in the cross-linguistic distribution of argument-coding patterns. A central concern is how areal effects shape these distributions and how they can be distinguished from genealogical effects. We review current approaches, data sources, and new quantitative methods for identifying areal signals, emphasizing the need to combine them with detailed qualitative analysis. The contributions to this issue show that argumentcoding is both unstable and highly responsive to convergence, highlighting the diverse ways in which language contact influences morphosyntactic systems.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Problems
    • 2.1Genealogy and areality in typological distributions
    • 2.2Cross-linguistic comparison of valency-related phenomena
  • 3.Progress and prospects
    • 3.1Data sources
    • 3.2Methods
    • 3.3Outlook
  • 4.About this issue
  • Notes
  • References
References (84)
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