Proximate possessors

Abstract

This chapter describes possessive constructions in Tundra Nenets (Uralic) with a particular focus on the behavioural and functional properties of lexical possessors. While pronominal possessors always trigger agreement on the possessed noun, lexical possessors only do so in specific circumstances. Agreeing lexical possessors are referred to as prominent internal possessors (PIPs). The distribution of PIPs is restricted by other third person nominals in the clause. This is explained in terms of obviation: PIPs are inherently proximate and therefore are incompatible with other proximate elements. The chapter further shows that—in contrast to other lexical possessors—PIPs can control subjects of converbial clauses, and argues that it is their phrase-peripheral adjunct-like position that makes them accessible to the phrase-external syntax.