Definition & Meaning of "zero-marking language"

What is a "zero-marking language"?

A zero-marking language is a type of language that does not use any explicit grammatical markers, such as affixes or particles, to indicate grammatical relationships like tense, number, or case. Instead, these languages rely heavily on word order and context to convey meaning. In a zero-marking language, the absence of overt grammatical markers can lead to a more streamlined and simplified structure. An example of a zero-marking language is Chinese, where many grammatical relationships are understood through the arrangement of words rather than through inflections. This approach allows for flexibility in expression but may also require listeners to pay close attention to context for accurate interpretation.