Verb compounding in Central Australian languages

<p dir="ltr">This paper examines the distinctive verb compounding systems found in languages of the Cameron Corner region, where South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales meet. In Yandrruwandha and Wangkumara, verb roots are compounded to form complex stems, while neighboring western languages like Diyari, Ngamini, and Yarluyandi compound verb words into complex phrases and employ productive auxiliary systems. The study explores the historical development of these systems, considering both morphologisation through syntactic reanalysis and independent innovation driven by areal diffusion. The analysis challenges prevailing views that morphological complexity always arises from syntactic sources, suggesting instead that shared areal features and internal developments play a crucial role. The findings highlight the diversity and innovation in verb structure across these Central Australian languages. (AI generated abstract, Copilot)</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Cultural Sensitivity</b></p><p dir="ltr">Some material in this collection may contain words, descriptions and terms, which may be culturally sensitive and that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the content was created, but may not be considered appropriate today. If you believe this material should be removed please contact the library.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>To contact the library</b></p><p dir="ltr">Contact: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/library/about/contact</p><p dir="ltr"><b>For Indigenous Australians help and support is available</b></p><p dir="ltr"><i>‍13YARN</i> is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line. Available 24/7.</p><p dir="ltr">Contact: 1300Yarn (13 92 76) or <a href="https://www.13yarn.org.au/" target="_blank">https://www.13yarn.org.au/</a></p>