Re: Ergative?

On Wednesday, September 26, 2001, at 07:21 PM, Matthew Kehrt wrote:

> I have a case in my lang, Eviendadhail, which I used to think was
> ergative, but, after reading more about ergativity, I'm now unsure.
> This case indicates the thing used to perform the action.  For example,
> I could say, without using this case:
>
>         Éyaverog silen negeth.
>
> which is:
>
>         The boy killed the jabberwock.
>
> Or, I could say:
>
>         Ilelés éyaverog silen negeth.
>
> which is:
>
>         The boy killed the jabberwock with a sword.
>
> This case indicates the sword, that is, the tool used to perform the
> verb.  Does anyone know what this is called, if anything?
Instrumental, I think?  I'm sure some Wiser Member of the List will
correct me.  :-)

YHL

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