ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-HAR-0009 · ATLAS 251

Apokoinu

A construction in which a linguistic element belongs to two syntactic contexts simultaneously.

Explanation

The apokoinu allows an expression to function as a hinge: it closes the first part and simultaneously opens the second, without being repeated.

Example

What his arrow reaches is his prey—it is lost.

Counterexample

His prey, which his arrow reaches, is lost. – regularly marked embedding.

Distinction

Distinguish from Zeugma and Syllepsis: In Apokoinu, it is primarily the syntactic arrangement that shares a common juncture.

Effect on thought and perception

Subverts clear sentence boundaries and creates a moment of dual belonging.

Resonance

An expression carries two sentence spaces and forms their shared threshold.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Apokoinu“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-HAR-0009. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR-0009

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR-0009

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.