What is switch reference?

Switch Reference is a grammatical system used in some languages that indicates whether two or more clauses in a sentence have the same or different subject(s). It is also known as referential cohesion or tense congruence. In languages that employ switch reference, every clause has a marking indicating whether it is related to or independent of the previous or following clause. Switch Reference is widely used in languages spoken in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It is especially useful in complex sentences with multiple clauses, as it helps to maintain coherence and clarity. Some languages, such as Navajo and Quechua, have complex switch reference systems that indicate not only subject continuity but also aspects of time, aspect, and mood.