Explanation
The associative plural denotes a heterogeneous, socially connected group through one focal member. It activates a field of relations instead of merely multiplying an entity.
Example
Japanese Tanaka-tachi means ‘Tanaka and Tanaka's group’, not several people named Tanaka. Hungarian Pál-ék similarly means ‘Paul and his people’.
Counterexample
The boys denotes a homogeneous set of boys and is not an associative plural.
Distinction
person + associated group
Effect on thought and perception
Makes a person appear as the centre of a social constellation and renders group membership lexicogrammatically visible.
Resonance
Plurality becomes readable as relation rather than merely quantity.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Associative plural“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-144-005. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-144-005The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.