Nominal linkers in Central Kurdish (Silemānī variety)

Abstract

Focusing on the Silemānī variety of Central Kurdish, this paper explores the distribution of modifiers, possessors, and arguments within the noun phrase as well as the linking vowels that precede these elements. The position of modifiers and the form of the linker both differ in indefinite and definite noun phrases. In indefinite phrases, modifiers follow the plural and indefinite suffixes and appear with a linker of the form -ī. In definite phrases, modifiers precede the plural and definite suffixes and appear with a linker of the form -a. Since an -a linker is found in many compounds, we also consider general issues of modification versus compounding in Central Kurdish. Finally, possessors and arguments do not show sensitivity to definiteness. In all noun phrases, possessors and arguments occur after number and definiteness morphology with a linker of the form -ī.