Typological Correlations Between Verb–Direct Object Order and Word Order Parameters in Ashtiani

One of the factors contributing to linguistic diversity is the word order within sentences. Certain parameters of word order exhibit typological bidirectional or unidirectional correlations with the order of the verb and direct object. The present study investigates these typological correlations in Ashtiani, an endangered language of Central Iran. The data for this research were obtained through fieldwork and consist of a questionnaire comprising 154 sentences and phrases, collected through observation and face-to-face interviews. When required, data from the Iran Linguistic Atlas and written sources on Ashtiani were also consulted.

Ashtiani exhibits a Subject–Object–Verb word order. However, examining its bidirectional and unidirectional correlations and their conformity to linguistic universals reveals that, similar to other Iranian languages, Ashtiani is a mixed-type language. The language shows the greatest degree of conformity with the bidirectional and unidirectional correlations associated with verb-final universals, and the lowest degree of deviation from these universals. In some cases, both conformity and non-conformity with these universals are attested. These findings further support the classification of Ashtiani as a mixed-type language.