Nominal linkers in Tati

Abstract

This paper describes nominal constructions in the Takestani variety of Southern Tati (Northwestern Iranian). Noun phrases in Tati are head-final. The main focus in this chapter is on constructions involving a nominal linker known as Reverse Ezafe (Stilo 2004). This element appears in possessive and adpositional phrases as well as noun phrases modified by adjectives and nouns. We show that the Reverse Ezafe appearing with possessors and adpositions has different properties than the one appearing on attributive adjectives and nouns. We conclude that Reverse Ezafe in Tati involves two distinct morphosyntactic elements. This conclusion aligns with the pattern of Reverse Ezafe in other Reverse Ezafe languages (i.e., other Caspian languages, Balochi and Sangesari). In this chapter, we further address some of the morpho-phonological constraints on the form and distribution of Reverse Ezafe across the two types.