Noun-based similarity markers in Serbian

Abstract The present study proposes a typology of relatively new similatives in Serbian, derived from nouns and forming part of a nominal phrase in an [NP1 SIM NP2] construction (where SIM stands for ‘similative’). In Serbian, there are two semantic source domains for similatives at issue: taxonomic nouns and manner nouns. The study analyzes six similative markers: tipa ‘of the type’, u stilu ‘in the style’, fazon ‘manner’, u fazonu ‘in the manner’, na fazon ‘on the trick’, and na foru ‘on the trick’. These markers are derived from one taxonomic noun ( tip ) and three manner nouns ( fazon, fora , and stil ). The study explores their syntactic diversity — ranging from prepositions to particles — and their numerous semantic and pragmatic values, such as similarity, exemplification, approximation, clarification, and ad hoc characterization. Findings suggest that while Serbian follows general evolutionary trends observed in other European languages, it also displays unique features, particularly in the prominence of manner nouns as sources for similatives.