Elementspossessive

Elementspossessive is a term used in linguistic typology to describe a class of possession constructions that encode ownership by combining multiple grammatical elements rather than relying on a single possessive affix or preposition. In this approach, possession may be expressed through a sequence that involves a possessor noun, a possessive linker or case marker, and the possessed noun, all of which contribute to the overall possessive meaning.

The term is a compound formed from elements and possessive, reflecting its emphasis on multi-element encoding. It is typically discussed in relation to analytic or semi-analytic languages where possession is not centralized in a single morphological marker. Researchers contrast it with synthetic genitives, periphrastic constructions, or clausal possessives, highlighting how different systems distribute functions across multiple words or particles.

Typology and patterns within elementspossessive vary. One common pattern places a possessor noun followed by a separate possessive linker and then the possessed noun, for example in glossed form: Mary POSS book, meaning “Mary’s book.” A second pattern interleaves demonstratives or numerals with the possessive sequence, creating a multi-element marking system. A third pattern appears in some constructed languages, where possessive elements integrate with case marking or alignment clues to form a cohesive phrase.

Cross-linguistic relevance and examples: while not universal, elementspossessive appears in languages with analytic tendencies and in various creoles or pidgins where possessive marking combines particles and noun phrases. It is used in typological surveys to illustrate the diversity of how languages encode ownership and possessive relationships.

See also: Genitive (linguistics), Possession, Analytic possessive constructions.