The Formation of the Grammatical Number in the Standard Romance Languages. A Typological Comparison Cover Image

Die Numerusbildung in den romanischen Standardsprachen. Ein typologischer Vergleich
The Formation of the Grammatical Number in the Standard Romance Languages. A Typological Comparison

Author(s): Michael Metzeltin, Thede Kahl
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Editura Tracus Arte
Keywords: Agglutination; amalgamation; Romance languages; gender; neuter (ambigen); plural; singular; comparative linguistics; typology; two-case system

Summary/Abstract: This article is part of the wider project Grammatica Balkanica, the intentions of which have already been mentioned in previous publications (see Kahl, Lindenbauer, Metzeltin 2010, 70-89). The present study is based on standard languages and its focus is laid less on historical than on typological aspects. Dealing with the Balkan languages, we considered a similar approach on the Romance languages appropriate. The present paper discusses the differences and similarities in the formation of the grammatical number in the standard Romance languages. Formation models will be delivered based on examples. The same approach should be applied to Slavic languages. The aim of the whole project is to examine the differences and similarities between languages regarding the morphological and syntactic formation patterns, the phenomena of their convergence and divergence, the extent to which these factors are connected to cultural history and cognitive development.

  • Issue Year: IX/2013
  • Issue No: 1 (17)
  • Page Range: 171-181
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: German