The Australian linguistic area

Australia is a linguistic area including about 250 distinct languages. This chapter surveys their recurrent typological features. It commences with vowel and consonant systems, and syllable structure. There is discussion of types of nominal and verb classes, plus small grammatical word classes. A major focus is on pronominal systems, suggesting paths of development for an inclusive/exclusive contrast and minimal/augmented systems. Slightly more than half the languages have bound pronouns which either can or must be used to code core arguments. The properties of free and bound pronouns are contrasted in terms of function, position, form, and discourse features. There is discussion of systems of case inflections, including the 'aversive' (or 'fear') case. Verbs are characterised in terms of inflectional systems, complex structures and nominal incorporation. The final section discusses meanings and functions of genders and classifier systems.