ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-134-013 · ATLAS 251

Differential Object Marking

A system in which objects are marked differently depending on factors such as definiteness, animacy, or specificity.

Explanation

A system in which objects are marked differently depending on factors such as definiteness, animacy, or specificity. Not all objects receive the same grammatical visibility; their proximity to the discourse can alter the structure of the sentence.

Example

A definite object receives a marker; an indefinite object remains unmarked.

Counterexample

A case that marks every object without exception is not differential.

Distinction

Distinguishing cases: A case that marks every object without exception is not differential.

Effect on thought and perception

Not all objects receive the same grammatical visibility; their proximity to the discourse can alter the form of the sentence.

Resonance

Differential object marking makes a directed relationship perceptible: Not all objects receive the same grammatical visibility; their proximity to the discourse can alter the form of the sentence.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Differential Object Marking“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-134-013. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-134-013

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-134-013

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