Publication Date:
2018
abstract:
This paper discusses the use of cases in Molise Slavonic, a high contact
South Slavonic variety spoken in Southern Italy by about 1,000 speakers. Based
on available texts and on data from informants, we show that cases are still realized
by older, fluent speakers, even though the extent to which they actually contribute
to distinguishing meanings is limited. As a consequence, case morphology
is no longer mastered by younger semi-speakers. The absence of fluent speakers
among young generations is thus leading to the decay of the case system.
Patterns of reduction of case meanings in Molise Slavonic are similar to those
found in other high contact Slavonic varieties.
South Slavonic variety spoken in Southern Italy by about 1,000 speakers. Based
on available texts and on data from informants, we show that cases are still realized
by older, fluent speakers, even though the extent to which they actually contribute
to distinguishing meanings is limited. As a consequence, case morphology
is no longer mastered by younger semi-speakers. The absence of fluent speakers
among young generations is thus leading to the decay of the case system.
Patterns of reduction of case meanings in Molise Slavonic are similar to those
found in other high contact Slavonic varieties.
Iris type:
2.1 Contributo in volume (Capitolo o Saggio)
List of contributors:
Luraghi, Silvia; Krstic, Milena
Book title:
Diachronic Slavonic syntax: the interplay between internal development, language contact and metalinguistic factors