Sequential Number Word Formation in the Tungag-Nalik Languages (New Ireland)

Abstract

Abstract:Number words in several Tungag-Nalik languages are morphologically complex. This kind of complexity is not the result of arithmetic operations but has its origin in the sequence of successive Proto-Oceanic number words. In this paper, the term sequential number word formation is used to designate this pattern. As sequential number word formation is also found in several other Meso-Melanesian languages and non-Austronesian languages of New Ireland and New Britain, it is likely to be an areal feature.