Leiden University Student Repository

Hörl, Bernhard (2015)

Possession and Personhood: Effects of ontological differences on linguistic possessive constructions

Master thesis | Linguistics (MA)

This scientific work is an attempt to re-evaluate Western notions of possession by embedding the debate into an ontological framework which takes into account the existence of multiple ontological worlds. By analysing Western linguistic expressions of possession and contrasting them with possessive relationships from native Amazonian languages, presented data will not only promote the acknowledgement of foreign modes of thinking and challenge what is often seen as ‘natural’ or ‘inherent’, but also substantiate the concrete effect of ontological differences on linguistic possessive constructions. To this effect, this thesis will offer readers a foundational definition of conceptual possession which should enable them to get a clearer view of possessive relationships and their interplay between people, animals and other non-human entities.

possession

ontology

personhood

animism

naturalism

Author

Hörl, Bernhard

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Language and Communication

Supervisors

Carlin, E.B.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en