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Nominal Classification in Asia and Oceania: Functional and diachronic perspectives
Edited by Marc Allassonnière-Tang and Marcin Kilarski
[Current Issues in Linguistic Theory 362] 2023
► pp. 30–55

Chapter 3
Nominal classification in Assamese

An analysis of function

| University of Essex |
| CNRS/MNHN/University Paris City |

We provide an analysis of the classifier system in Assamese (Indo-European) via the framework of functional typology. Assamese is located at the border of Indo-European and Sino-Tibetan language families, which are typically associated with grammatical gender and classifiers, respectively. Assamese represents an insightful example of an Indo-European language relying on classifiers rather than grammatical gender to fulfill the functions typical for a nominal classification system. Our analysis shows that classifiers in Assamese behave similarly to other classifier languages in terms of lexical and discourse functions, except for the functions of definiteness marking and individuation. The implications of such findings are connected to typology, research in human cognition, and language contact.

Keywords: classifier, Assamese, functions
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Nominal classification in North-Eastern India
  • 3.Description of classifiers in Assamese
  • 4.Functions of classifiers in Assamese
    • 4.1Lexical functions
    • 4.2Discourse functions
    • 4.3Summary of lexical and discourse functions
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 1 December 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/cilt.362.03sai
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