Explanation
A grammatical pattern in which a relationship is marked primarily by the structural head of a construction. Information about a relationship is not necessarily located at both participants but can be concentrated at its center.
Example
Atlas example: Information about a relationship is not necessarily located at both participants but can be concentrated at its center.
Counterexample
Mere formal similarity without the relationship characteristic of head marking.
Distinction
Distinguishing from dependency marking: The decisive factor in head marking is the specific movement—information about a relationship is not necessarily located with both parties involved, but can be concentrated at its center.
Effect on thought and perception
Information about a relationship is not necessarily located at both participants but can be concentrated at its center.
Resonance
Head marking makes a relationship perceptible as a directed change: Information about a relationship is not necessarily located with both parties involved, but can be concentrated at its center.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Head marking“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-119-012. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-119-012The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.