Limits of variability in the complexity of valency class systems (D05*)

• Subject Area: General and Comparative Linguistics, Experimental Linguistics, Typology, Non-European Languages
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317633480

This project investigates how languages differ in the complexity of their valency class systems, combining insights from argument coding, linguistic complexity, and token-based typology. Using corpus data from 70 languages, it develops information-theoretic complexity metrics based on entropy and surprisal. The study explores local factors shaping argument coding and examines cross-linguistic limits on valency system variability. It tests the hypothesis that natural languages avoid both overly simple and overly complex systems, and shows that valency class system complexity is constrained by interaction with other typological features.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1287: Limits of Variability in Language: Cognitive, Computational, and Grammatical Aspects
• Applicant Institution: Universität Potsdam
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Ilja Serzant