This book presents a first comprehensive typological analysis of noun phrases in Australian
languages covering the domains of classification qualification quantification determination
and constituency. The analysis is based on a representative sample of 100 languages. Among
other points the results call into question the classic idea that Australian languages tend to
lack phrasal structures in the nominal domain with over two thirds of the languages showing
evidence for phrasehood. Moreover it is argued that it may be more interesting to typologise
languages on the basis of where and how they allow phrasal structure rather than on the basis
of a yes-no answer to the question of constituency. The analysis also shows that a determiner
slot can be identified in about half of the languages even though they generally lack
'classic' determiner features like obligatory use in particular contexts or a restriction to
one determiner per NP. Special attention is given to elements which can be used both inside
and beyond determiner slots demonstrating how part of speech and functional structure do not
always align. The book is of interest to researchers documenting Australian languages as well
as to typologists and theorists.
