The morphosyntax of number systems: a cross-linguistic study

This dissertation investigates the number systems and the constructions used to express number in a sample of about 200 languages worldwide. For the purpose of this research linguistic data has been coded and systematize in a structural model, which has its main result in a typological database of number marking constructions. The dissertation is organised around three main research foci, that correspond to the three level of analysis on which this analysis is performed. First, this work provides for a systematic overview of the types of markers used to signal number distinctions on the nominal elements. The aim of this preliminary survey is the identification of (i) the constructions types that recurr more frequently to express the number values (ii) recurrent association between constructions and nominal types and (iii) any relevant features associated to the interaction of a construction form with a number value. The second main goal is the systematic overview of the constructions used to mark plural distinctions at the language specific level and their internal distribution, with a particular attention to the plurality splits and the internal groupings of noun types sharing the same construction form. The third main research question focusses on the presence and distribution of the number systems in the languages of the world. Describing these systems construction wise may help in the understanding of the processes behind the origin of these systems.