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Article published In:
Issues in Diachronic Construction Morphology
Edited by Muriel Norde and Graeme Trousdale
[Constructions and Frames 15:2] 2023
► pp. 160–186

Diachronic changes in constructional networks

Evidence from Manchuric nominal morphology

ORCID logo | University of Potsdam

This study investigates diachronic changes in constructional networks illustrated with examples from the Manchuric branch of Tungusic, an endangered language family spoken in Northeast Asia. Earlier studies have noted pronounced differences between this branch and the rest of the family, such as a reduction in morphological complexity and partial restructuring of the morphosyntactic system. Based on the framework of Diachronic Construction Grammar, this study investigates aspects of nominal morphology, including flagging and indexing. These are especially promising for a better understanding of the evolution of Manchuric and have not often been discussed in terms of Construction Grammar.

Keywords: Diachronic Construction Grammar, constructional network, flagging, indexing, head- and dependent-marking, possession, Manchu, Udihe, Tungusic
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The nominal template
  • 3.Person indexing
    • 3.1Loss of the paradigm
    • 3.2Preservation in ordinal numerals
  • 4.Flagging
    • 4.1Reduction of the paradigm
    • 4.2Extension of the genitive
    • 4.3Preservation of the locative
    • 4.4Debonding of case markers
  • 5.Discussion and conclusion
    • 5.1Network changes
    • 5.2The nature of templates
    • 5.3Areal patterns and language contact
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 8 January 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/cf.00071.hol
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