Daniel wrote:
> > > (And possibly also distinguish between verbs that
> > > don't have an agent, eg. "I sleep" and verbs that do.)
Nik replied:
> > Isn't that the same as the intransitive/transitive distinction? =
Unless
> > you're using "agent" in a different way than I am, an agent only =
exists
> > in transitive sentences.
Then Sally butted in ;) :
=20
> In ergative languages only?
< snip >
> Nik, I thought "agent" was an acceptable term, as well, for
> volitionality as opposed to experientiality...=20
and Daniel explain:
No, I use agent and subject the same way you're using them.
But you might use them as Sally says as well.
I admit it's much more important to differ between the two as
markers of transitive/intransitive sentences in ergative langs=20
than in accusative ones.
To get to the point: I used both definitions without making=20
that clear. Sorry about that.
Daniel Andreasson