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Direct/Inverse Systems
Author(s) -
Jacques Guillaume,
Antonov Anton
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
language and linguistics compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.619
H-Index - 44
ISSN - 1749-818X
DOI - 10.1111/lnc3.12079
Subject(s) - inverse , computer science , inverse system , linguistics , philosophy
Abstract 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.