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The Social Dynamics of Pronominal Systems: A comparative approach
Edited by Paul Bouissac
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 304] 2019
► pp. 289–317

Chapter 12
Pronouns in affinal avoidance registers

Evidence from the Aslian languages (Austroasiatic, Malay Peninsula)

| Lund University
| Lund University
Affinal avoidance registers are strategies of restrained linguistic conduct in relation to one’s in-laws. Current theories are primarily concerned with two types of strategies: (1) taboos on uttering the proper names of affines, and (2) substitution of everyday words with dedicated parallel lexicon in the presence of affines (so-called “mother-in-law languages”). However, the role of pronouns has received limited attention. Here we explore little-known registers in the Aslian languages (Austroasiatic, Malay Peninsula), where dedicated pronoun paradigms take centre stage in communication with and about in-laws. We characterise and compare these closely related but internally diverse systems, situate them in their cultural contexts, and discuss their status in relation to current theories and typologies of avoidance and honorific registers.
Keywords: pronouns, affinal avoidance, Aslian languages, Austroasiatic, honorific and respect registers, “mother-in-law language”, dual
Article outline
  • Introduction
    • Affine avoidance in language
    • Aslian languages and cultures
  • Affines and pronouns: evidence from six speech communities
    • Jahai
    • Ceq Wong
    • Semaq Beri
    • Semelai
    • Mah Meri
    • Temiar
  • Discussion
    • Affine paradigms: similarities and diversity in categorial strategies
    • Systemic similarities and differences
    • Ritual aspects
  • Conclusions
  • Abbreviations and conventions
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 23 July 2019
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.304.12kro
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