Number in Marori

Abstract

The number system in Marori shows a three-way distinction (singular–dual–plural) with distributed and often underspecified (plural vs nonplural, or singular vs non-singular) marking. Nominal number is expressed via marking of free pronouns and certain nouns and their associated verbal indexing, with a three-way distinction in first and second bound pronominals, and a two-way underspecified distinction elsewhere. Verbal number is expressed by suppletive verbal root alternations, typically singular vs non-singular. Dual number/duactional can be expressed by a combination of non-singular and nonplural exponents. Number agreement is semantic in nature, with mismatches possibly expressing an inclusory meaning or a small plural/paucal meaning. While radically different from English in its number system, Marori is similar to English and other European languages in terms of the distribution of plural meanings under negation and other contexts.