Datapoint Kriol/Generic noun phrases in subject function

The determiner det is regarded as a definite article for the purposes of this Feature (see Feature 28 "Definite articles"). There are two possibilities for expressing genericity, one involving a bare noun and one an NP with the recognitional determiner det~jet~thet.

Values

Singular noun phrase with definite article Frequency: 50.0%

Example 25-161:
Im lib la keib, det larrpburniny.
M
3sg
lib
live
la
loc
keib,
cave
det
dem
larrpburniny.
wallaby
It lives in caves, the wallaby.

Source: Nicholls 2006: 7

Example 25-172:
Jikiwan thet garndi.
Jiki-wan
cheeky-adj
thet
dem
garndi.
tree
It is 'cheeky' (bitter or dangerous) that (type of) tree.
Example 25-174:
Det gowena i mit.
Det
dem
gowena
goanna
i
3sg
mit.
meat
Goannas are edible animals. OR: The goanna is meat. (Orig. Trans.)

Source: Hudson 1985: 82

Confidence:
Certain

Bare singular noun phrase in languages with definite article Frequency: 50.0%

Example 25-171:
Blekbala jabi.
Blekbala
Aboriginal.person
jabi.
know
Aboriginal people understand.

Source: Sandefur 1979: 177

Example 25-173:
Yuno gulmarri im gotim thet nidel.
Yuno
you.know
gulmarri
pandanus
im
3sg
got-im
have-tr
thet
dem
nidel.
thorn/needle
You know, the pandanus (leaves) have thorns.
Confidence:
Certain