Types of ergativity

This paper makes two main contributions to our understanding of ergativity. First, it supports the claim that ergative is an inherent case, through a study of the Warlpiri lexicon: no ergative-marked subjects are derived, in accordance with Marantz’ Generalization. Second, it reanalyses syntactic ergativity in Dyirbal. It demonstrates that the language underlyingly has an ergative–nominative–accusative case system, with imperfect morphological realization of these cases. It further shows that syntactic ergativity in Dyirbal is not sensitive to the absolutive, but rather underlying nominative and accusative, regardless of morphological realization.

► Ergative is an inherent case. ► Ergative-marked subjects are not derived in Warlpiri (conforming to Marantz' Generalization). ► Dyirbal has an ergative-nominative-accusative case system masked by morphological syncretism. ► Dyirbal syntactic ergativity is sensitive to underlying nominative and accusative, not absolutive.