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The division of labour between the Basque articles in the indefinite domain

Authors :
Silvie Strauss
Source :
Fontes Linguae Vasconum, Iss 137 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Gobierno de Navarra, 2024.

Abstract

The usage of the Basque definite and indefinite articles differs significantly from their Romance counterparts. While the definite article is used as a default article for NPs without another determiner, the exact function of the indefinite article in this system has remained somewhat unclear, although specificity has been brought up as a factor. A comparison with Eastern Armenian, which has a threefold definiteness/specificity distinction, in three parallel texts shows that the use of the indefinite article in Basque follows two different systems in different varieties: in the West it is based on discourse prominence and in the East on individuation.

Details

Language :
English, Spanish; Castilian, Basque
ISSN :
0046435X and 25305832
Issue :
137
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Fontes Linguae Vasconum
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.3d1504259f48ff8b14a5665ee5c9b6
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.35462/flv137.2