| Abstract [eng] |
In this dissertation, the Lithuanian adjectival definiteness marking (ADM) is analysed from a cross-linguistic comparative perspective. Through situating it in a typological context and comparing with mostly Slavonic and Germanic (customarily Scandinavian, occasionally Dutch) languages, the study contributes to the recognition of ADM as an important linguistic phenomenon in the field of nominal determination alongside determiners, demonstratives, phrasal clitics, and other means of marking the category of (in)definiteness. The ADM in contemporary Lithuanian is analysed through several cross-sections. The research is data-driven, based on empirical evidence, both qualitative (e.g., when defining the linear, topological structure of the definite Lithuanian NPs) and quantitative. The dissertation outlines the linear structure of the definite Lithuanian NP, as well as provides some tangible data on the actual distribution of long and short adjectival paradigms in the contemporary language, identifying some groups of Lithuanian adjectives that do not take long adjectival forms and those that are predominantly used in their long forms, and hence also contributing to the descriptive classification of the Lithuanian adjectives. It is demonstrated that ADM is a morphosyntactic feature with implications for both the category of definiteness and the syntax of the noun phrase. |
