Possessing variation: age and inalienability related variables in the possessive constructions of two Australian mixed languages

The paper examines attributive possessive constructions in two north Australian mixed languages, Gurindji Kriol (GK) and Light Warlpiri (LW). In both languages possessive constructions are drawn from the source languages, Gurindji, Warlpiri, Kriol and English, and there is variation within and between languages. The range of possessive forms available in the two languages are presented and factors contributing to the variation within each language are discussed, including age of speaker, the remnants of an in/alienability distinction, and the source language of possessive forms and head NPs.