ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-119-015 · ATLAS 251

Switch-reference

A grammatical system indicating whether consecutive clauses have the same or a different subject.

Explanation

It marks transitions between predicates before a new participant must be fully named.

Example

Kiliwa uses -t for same subject and -m for subject change, with auxiliaries also tracking predicate continuity.

Counterexample

Anna arrived and Paul left names both subjects but has no switch-reference system.

Distinction

continuity ↔ change of actor

Effect on thought and perception

Relieves working memory and makes perspective changes available early.

Resonance

Narrative appears as a marked stream of changing perspective holders.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Switch-reference“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-119-015. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-119-015

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-119-015

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