Object Subject Verb

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. 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. Is it 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 consistent). The order of words sounds very peculiar to English speakers, adding to the strangeness of the character: "A brave man your father was", "My home this is", etc.

The other permutations according to importance:

• Subject Object Verb (for example Japanese, Persian, Latin)
• Subject Verb Object (for example English, German, Kiswahili, Chinese)
• Verb Subject Object (for example Welsh and Arabic)
• Verb Object Subject (for example Fijian)
• Object Verb Subject (rare)