Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Gender is a fascinating category, central and pervasive in some languages and totally absent in others. In this new, comprehensive account of gender systems, over 200 languages are discussed, from English and Russian to Archi and Chichewa. Detailed analysis of individual languages provides clear illustrations of specific types of system. The basis of gender distinction, its reflection in syntax, and areas of special interest such as âhybridânouns are all presented in a lively way. Gender will be invaluable both for class use and as a reference resource for students and researchers in linguistics.
Synopsis
Over 200 languages, from English and Russian to Archi and Chichewa, provide illustrations of specific types of gender systems in a comprehensive analysis that reveals distinctions based on sex as well as other criteria.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 324-351) and indexes.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Gender assignment I: semantic systems; 3. Gender assignment II: formal systems; 4. The psycholinguistic status of gender assignment; 5. Gender agreement; 6. Establishing the number of genders; 7. Target genders: syncretism and enforced gender forms; 8. Hybrid nouns and the agreement hierarchy; 9. Gender resolution rules; 10. Generalisations and prospects; References; Author index; Language index; Subject index.