phi-features

A set-based semantics for obviation and animacy

This paper provides a general analysis of the semantics of person, broadly construed, through a case study of Ojibwe (Central Algonquian). Ojibwe shows person-like distinctions based on whether an entity is living or non-living (i.e. animacy), and, …

Prominence guides incremental interpretation: Lessons from obviation in Ojibwe

Processing relativization in Ojibwe

A set-based representation of person features: Consequences for AGREE

This brief paper summarizes a new account of how person-animacy hierachy (PAH) effects and probe relativization should be modeled in theories of AGREE. The core proposal is to further decompose person features into sets of primitives including I, U, …

Prominence guides incremental interpretation: Lessons from obviation in Ojibwe

A set-based representation of person features: Consequences for AGREE

Deriving person-based prominence effects: A set-based theory of AGREE

In this talk, I argue for a new level of representation, _primitives_, which combine into sets and replace prominence scales and feature geometries in capturing person-based prominence effects in agreement. I argue this new theory has both a conceptual and empirical edge over previous accounts.

Person-based Prominence in Ojibwe

Limiting Gender

What 'other people' mean to 'us'