Predicative Possession in Azerbaijani Turkish: A Functional-Typological Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This paper examines predicate possession in Azerbaijani Turkish. Following an overview of the concept of predicate possession and its cross-linguistic representations, the study identifies and analyzes various types of predicate possessives in Azerbaijani Turkish. The data are drawn from written texts, everyday spoken discourse, online materials, linguistic literature, and grammar references. The analysis is conducted with a functional-typological approach, based on Stassen’s (2009) typological classification. The findings reveal that Azerbaijani Turkish exhibits two major types of predicate possessives: Topical and locational. A third, structurally distinct type is also attested, which is realized through equational (copular) constructions and displays a unique information structure compared to the other two. The topical type includes both a standard form and a non-standard variant, the latter marked by the attachment of a possessive suffix directly to the predicative adjective /var/ و /yox/ ‘existent/non-existent’, rather than to the possessee. This non-standard pattern, prevalent in colloquial varieties of Azerbaijani Turkish spoken in Iran, appears to be influenced by Persian predicate possessives based on the verb dāštan ‘to have’. Both topical and locational types may employ either the adjectival predicate /var/ و /yox/ or the verbal predicate -ol ‘to become’. Altogether, seven structurally distinct types of predicate possessives are identified, differentiated by the encoding of the possessor and possessee, as well as the type of predicate involved.

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References

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Journal of Linguistics & Iranian Languages
Volume 10, Issue 3
February 2026
Pages 1-26

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 29 December 2025

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