Direct/Inverse Systems

This article proposes an idealized model of direct‐inverse systems inspired by canonical morphology, against which attested systems are then evaluated in terms of their deviation from it. A language‐independent definition of obviation is provided, and then applied to language families other than Algonquian. Referential hierarchies are shown not to be the only way of accounting for direct‐inverse systems. Finally, the article surveys the attested origins of inverse systems and the ways in which they can be further reanalyzed, ultimately leading to their decay.