circumpostposition

Circumpostposition is a term used in linguistic typology to describe a two-part adpositional construction in which a noun phrase is encircled by a left-hand, pre-nominal element and a right-hand, post-nominal element. The combination of these two parts around the noun phrase is intended to express a single relation, such as enclosure or surrounding, in a way that differs from standard prepositions or simple postpositions.

The term is relatively obscure and not universally adopted in grammar descriptions. Some scholars treat circumpostposition as a subtype or variant of circumposition, while others view it as a theoretical category used to discuss possible cross-linguistic patterns of adpositional marking. Because attested instances are scarce and analyses vary, there is no single consensus on its defining features or on how it should be distinguished from related constructions.

Typical characteristics discussed in descriptions include a fixed order where the left part precedes the noun phrase and the right part follows it, forming a circumscribed structure around the NP. The semantic functions associated with circumpostpositional constructions often involve spatial relations such as surrounding, enclosing, or boundary marking, though researchers note that broader meanings can occur in idiomatic or extended uses.

Illustrative example (hypothetical): in a fictional language, a circumpostpositional form to mean “around the house” might combine a pre-part ka- before the NP and a post-part -ri after the NP, yielding ka house ri. This example serves to show the basic idea of an encircling adpositional pattern, not a documented instance in a natural language.

See also: circumposition, postposition, adposition, preposition, typology.