The book explores various linguistic constructions identified as 'passives,' drawing on data from a diverse array of languages. It provides a comprehensive analysis of how these constructions function across different linguistic systems, highlighting both genetic and typological diversity. Published in 1984, it serves as a significant resource for understanding passive structures in language.
Focusing on the grammatical category of person, this textbook analyzes data from more than 700 languages, offering a comprehensive exploration of linguistic structures and variations. It examines how different cultures express personhood through language, providing insights into both commonalities and unique features across languages. This extensive research serves as a valuable resource for linguists and students interested in the intricacies of grammar and its implications in diverse linguistic contexts.