Typology of Possessive Constructions: Comparison of Head-Marking and Dependent-Marking Patterns

This thesis investigates possessive constructions, focusing on how they are expressed through two noun phrases: the possessor and the possessum. The study explores various possessive relationships, with ownership being the most prevalent. It compares marking strategies in different languages. The research excludes constructions where the possessor or possessum behave atypically, maintaining a focus on noun phrase interactions. A central objective is to develop a typology for possessive marking, addressing morphosyntactic patterns like locus of marking, obligatoriness, and agreement. Previous classifications by Nichols and Croft are critiqued for their limitations. This study proposes a more comprehensive classification system and includes a broader range of languages through a detailed sampling method. Conclusions drawn from this research highlight the diversity and complexity of possessive marking strategies. A bottom-up categorization approach revealed a spectrum from exclusive C-marking to D-marking, with languages like Marind using all marker combinations. Patterns in indexation, omission, and reflexive usage were identified, showing C-markers' variability and D-markers' prevalence in reflexive constructions. This study provides a foundation for future analyses on a larger sample, aiming to deepen the understanding of possessive constructions in human languages.