Object Subject Verb
Categories: Linguistic typology
Object Subject Verb (OSV) is one of the permutations of expression used in Linguistic typology. OSV denotes the sequence "Object Subject Verb" in neutral expressions: Oranges Sam ate. It is a notation used when classifying languages according to the dominant sequence of these constitutents.
This sequence is rare. One example of a language that uses it is Xavante. It is also found in some other languages of Brazil, including Jamamadi, Apurinã, Kayabí and Nadëb.
One fictional example of this type of ordering is the speech of the character Yoda in Star Wars (though not consistently so). Although his meaning can be understood, the order of words sounds very peculiar to English speakers, adding to the strangeness and slightly cryptic nature of the character: "A brave man your father was.", "When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not." and "Not, if anything to say about it I have." This word order appears in a number of constructed languages, such as Teonaht, as it is often chosen by language inventors for its exotic sound. This word order is also used in the game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars by Bowser.
Sardinians very often use OSV while speaking in Italian. Many non-Sardinian speakers in Italy find this "Sardinian Italian Accent" very funny. Yoda, the fictional character in Star Wars, is often referred to as "the one who speaks Sardinian", especially among children.