Metathesis and unmetathesis in Amarasi

The analysis of synchronic CV -> VC metathesis in Amarasi reveals its pivotal role in the language's structure and societal identity. Metathesis interacts with various phonological processes, deriving from a proposed CVCVC foot structure. Three types of metathesis are identified: phonologically conditioned before enclitics, syntactic signaling of modification, and discourse resolution. This linguistic phenomenon not only organizes Amarasi's syntax but also mirrors Timorese cultural concepts of binary complementarity, highlighting a deep connection between language and identity.