LINGUIST List 13.782

Sun Mar 24 2002

Qs: Lang Complexity/Distribution, Pluperfect Forms

Editor for this issue: Karen Milligan <karenlinguistlist.org>



We'd like to remind readers that the responses to queries are usually best posted to the individual asking the question. That individual is then strongly encouraged to post a summary to the list. This policy was instituted to help control the huge volume of mail on LINGUIST; so we would appreciate your cooperating with it whenever it seems appropriate.

In addition to posting a summary, we'd like to remind people that it is usually a good idea to personally thank those individuals who have taken the trouble to respond to the query.

Directory

  • Eileen Thorsos, Distribution of language complexity
  • dmsichinava, Multiple Pluperfect forms

    Message 1: Distribution of language complexity

     Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2002 00:24:12 -0500
    From: Eileen Thorsos <ethorso1mail.swarthmore.edu>
    Subject: Distribution of language complexity


    I'd like to find out about the global distribution of language complexity. Particularly, I wonder if widespread languages are less complex than local languages. (Clearly, this question requires definitions of both 'widespread' and 'complex'.) Does anyone have any information or ideas regarding this?

    Thanks much,

    Eileen Thorsos

    Message 2: Multiple Pluperfect forms

     Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2002 23:40:19 +0300 (MSK)
    From: dmsichinava <dmsichinavayandex.ru>
    Subject: Multiple Pluperfect forms




    I am a student at the Moscow University currently looking for information about verb systems with multiple Pluperfect forms (that is, expressing anteriority with regard to the past -- usually with aspectual distinctions). Romance, Bulgarian, Turkish, Caucasian systems can be cited as examples. Can anyone offer me information on systems of this kind? Everything concerning any languages outside the above-defined areal would be particularly appreciated.

    Dmitri V. Sitchinava