2

In this answer to the question How does expressing possession vary across language families?, there is a classification on some types of Possession across languages. I have tried to look for an overview of Possession in general and also on the different types of it, but I didn't find much so I'd like to ask some questions:

  1. Are those classifications only according to Stassen, from his book Predicative Possession or from a more general perspective?
  2. Why does the answer defines them "values of the parameter" and not "types", I'm a bit confused by this wording.
  3. Finally, where could I find an exhaustive but general overview of possession?
Improve this question
1
  • I think it would be better to ask your first to clarifying questions directly to the authors in the other question. Or, please quote the relevant parts here for us.
    – curiousdannii ♦
    Commented Jan 16, 2015 at 5:16

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
  1. I am not aware of disputes regarding the classification of predicative possession, so I wouldn't say it's "just" Stassen. Note, though, that his book (like the name says) is primarily concerned with predicative possession and not as much with other forms of possession. For example, "that car is mine" is a predicative expression that expresses possession, but "you crashed my car" is not predicative, while still containing a possessive. Furthermore there are other features of possession that are independent of whether possession is predicative, e.g. obligatory possession or possessive classes.
  2. The answer uses "value of parameter" and "type" exchangably (you can see "type" mentioned below the list). "value of parameter" follows the usage of WALS (the answer linked the map, here's the chapter text) which follows general linguistic usage (presumably originating here) where a parameter is a specific construction which can take different forms (= values) in different languages.
  3. I don't have any particular reference ready. I often see "Possession: Cognitive sources, forces, and grammaticalization." by Heine, Bernd (1997), ISBN 978-0-521-02413-6 referenced, but I haven't read it, so I cannot tell you whether it would help you. Maybe go to a nearby university with a linguistics department and ask in the library for what they do have on possession?
Improve this answer
1
  • Thank you. Yes, I have already that book, I was looking for more material but if you suggested that, then it makes it a good source. :D
    – Alenanno
    Commented Jan 13, 2015 at 10:47

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.