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Triadic encoding in Tsou
Journal article

Triadic encoding in Tsou

Henry Y. Chang
Language and Linguistics, Vol.12(4), pp.799-843
2011

Abstract

Applicative-prominent language Asymmetrical object language Ditransitive Ergative language Triadic Language and Linguistics Linguistics and Language
This paper investigates the grammatical realization of triadic arguments in Tsou in light of Levin's (1993) English transitive/ditransitive alternations. Major findings include the following: (i) Tsou is a language without double object construction-one of the triadic arguments must be in the oblique case; (ii) Tsou is an applicative-prominent language-triadic events are typically expressed by applicative constructions. Peripheral arguments such as a beneficiary are usually introduced by an applicative affix; even a triadic theme can be applicatively indexed; (iii) Tsou is an ergative language-transitive/ applicative objects must align with intransitive agents and occur in the absolutive case; (iv) Tsou is basically an asymmetrical object language-only one of the two internal arguments is eligible for advancement; (v) a triadic source must occur in the genitive case (instead of the oblique case) if it is not advanced.

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