Functions of nominal classification

Abstract

Nominal classification systems are generally categorized on the basis of morphosyntactic criteria. However, the functional motivations for these phenomena do not coincide directly with their morphosyntactic properties: some functions are shared by diverse systems, and each morphosyntactic type may serve diverse communicative functions. We provide a functional typology for nominal classification, including both noun class and classifier systems. We focus on two types of functions: semantic, i.e., the use of classification markers to expand the referential power of the lexicon, and discourse/pragmatic, i.e., the use of classification markers to establish and manipulate the status of discourse referents. We identify functions that are shared by formally diverse systems as well as functions that depend on means of expression. We also review psycholinguistic evidence for the role of nominal classification in language comprehension and production.