Re: Lexicalising Ergativity
| From: | Emily Zilch <emily0@...> |
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| Date: | Monday, June 21, 2004, 19:32 |
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{ 20040621,0245 | Peter Bleackley } "Suppose a language has a split-S
system, whereby there are two verb classes, one of which takes an
Erg/Abs argument structure, and one of which takes a Nom/Acc argument
structure. What are those classes likely to be?"
In fact, as far as I am aware this happens in ALL ergative systems, but
the split isn't exactly lexical, it's grammatical. Usually the present
or other unmarked form of the verb uses, say, the ergative form, while
the preterite/past/etc. uses the accusative system.
As for differences according to verb, that's an odd idea - I'm not
aware of any lexicalised forms in natlangs or exactly how that would be
possible. I mean, the structure of the verb would be psychotic.
Literally. Ripped in sections lexically. I'm not sure that would
survive in a living human (i.e. comprehend-able) language - it would be
very disturbing to use.
Of course, switching accusative-ergative through verbal tenses makes
Sumerian scholars heads ache, so maybe...
em'ly
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EMILY0
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