Re: ergative? I don't know...

On Fri, 23 Oct 1998, Nik Taylor wrote:

> Clinton Moreland-Stringham wrote:
> >         1. Agent (AGT): entity which performs an activity or brings about
> > a change of state (e.g. the crowg-AGT applauded.)
>
> What about "the old man hit the young boy"?  What case would "man" be
> in?
        The man is the agent.

>
> >         2. Patient (PAT): entity which- is viewed as existing in a state
> > or undergoing change; viewed a slocated or moving; viewed as affected or
> > effected by an entity (e.g. the sky-PAT is blue, the cat-PAT is in the
> > house, or the bird ate the worm-PAT)
>
> Again, what would "the bird" be in?  Would it be agentive?
>
        Yes.

> >         3. Experiencer (EXP) entity which experiences as emotion or
> > perception OR an Agent (fm above) which acts unitnentionally (e.g.
> > They-EXP love music or He-EXP fell (on accident)).
>
> Okay, so what is "he fell" (deliberately)?  It looks to me like it's
> some sort of active system (i.e., neither ergative or accusative).
>
        it would be "He-AGT fell" or "He-PAT fell". Either one would work,
but with differing degrees of agentness. The first might be used of a
skydiver, who fell with premeditation, while the second would just be joe
schmoe falling on purpose. Unless y'all can suggest a better difference.

        Clinton