Re: THEORY: Ergativity and polypersonalism

Henrik Theiling wrote:


> I can't, but I know another example where the coincidence holds:
> Inuktitut and Kalaallisut, i.e., Inuit languages.
Good! Eskimo-Aleut group is the next for investigation in my task list. I've
even downloaded a couple of brief grammar sketches (in Russian).

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Philip Newton wrote:

> Niuean, a Polynesian language, has a grammar that some call ergative,
> yet it typically uses no verb inflections at all (though some verbs
> change form depending on number -- I can't remember offhand whether
> they agree with the agent, patient, either, or both).
>
> Case is marked on the arguments of the verb with particles.
Oh yes, now I remember that most Polynesian langs are considered ergative!
Thank you for the information. Anyway, it looks like I'm going to enjoy
polypersonalism for my newest project, as the main sources of its
inspiration use it!

-- Yitzik

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