A semantic typology of location, existence, possession and copular verbs: areal patterns of polysemy in Mainland East and Southeast Asia

Abstract This study is based on a sample of 116 languages from the Mainland East and Southeast Asian linguistic area. Its first objective to examine four distinct synchronic patterns areal polysemy, created by semantic domains copular, locative, existential possessive verbs constructions they form. As consequence, its second model diachronic change underlying language types identified this basis data. We argue that there are three grammaticalization pathways which motivate patterns: Type III distinguished chain: (P ostural verb) > (Dwell) Locative Existential Possessive, while other two types, II IV, show an opposing pathway: ( Grasp) Possessive . I additionally reveal recurrent polysemy between Copular verbs. On basis, implicational universal adduced effect no adjacency exists locative constructions. Crucially, intervening stage construction provides necessary bridging context for reanalysis in pathway, formally locatives second, bearing relationship them. The findings sharing reinforce notion clear typological split Tibeto-Burman one hand, Sinitic, Kra–Dai, Hmong–Mien, Austroasiatic other.