Semantics of number in Biak

Journal article

Much work has been done on the semantics of number in languages with a two-way singular vs. nonsingular number system, but much less work exists on the fine-grained semantics of number in languages with more complex number systems. We present data on Biak, an Austronesian language with a four-way distinction in the number system (singular/dual/paucal/plural). We show that, as in languages with simpler number systems such as English and French, Biak plurals exhibit inclusive plural readings in certain contexts, referring to any number of individuals including one. In other contexts, Biak plurals must refer to at least four individuals. We also show that the subjects of Biak dual and paucal verbs must be specific, precluding the possibility of inclusive plural readings for duals and paucals. We conclude with a brief look at the expression of various kinds of generic statements in Biak.

Authors: Dalrymple, M; Mofu, S

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Linguistic Society of Papua New Guinea
• Journal: Language and Linguistics in Melanesia
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 42-55
• Publication date: 2013-01-01
• ISSN: 0023-1959
• Keywords: plurality; Biak; number; inclusive/exclusive plurals