Negati

Negati is a term used in linguistic typology to describe a class of negation systems observed across a range of languages in a hypothetical or constructed linguistic landscape. The concept is employed to compare how different languages realize negation, how negation markers interact with tense, mood, and aspect, and how scope is established within sentences. In Negati-style systems, negation markers can take diverse forms, including prefixes, suffixes, clitics, or independent particles, and they may appear at different structural positions (for example, preverbal, postverbal, or periphrastic configurations).

Etymology and scope: The label Negati derives from the semantic root neg- meaning to deny, augmented by a pluralizing suffix used in typological labels. The approach emphasizes cross-language variation in the position and behavior of the negation element and its interaction with other grammatical categories.

Classification: Negati systems are typically subdivided by the site of negation (for example, preverbal versus postverbal), the morphosyntactic shape of the marker (affixal, clitic, or free-standing), and the interaction with other categories such as evidentiality, polarity, or focus. Some Negati languages exhibit strict clause-periphery negation, while others allow internal VP or auxiliary negation with variable scope.

Typological patterns: Common features include coexistence of a primary negation marker with specialized words for emphasis or scope-shifting, and occasional sensitivity to polarity reversals in questions or conditionals. The Negati framework provides a compact way to organize and contrast negation phenomena across diverse languages.

See also: Negation, Polarity, Scope (linguistics).