Chapter Three. Causatives Which Do Not Cause: Non-Valency-Increasing Effects Of A Valency-Increasing Derivation

Abstract

A causative construction typically involves the introduction of a new argument, a Causer, into a basic clause. However, in a number of languages causative is straightforwardly valency-increasing only if applied to intransitive verbs. This chapter discusses two relevant case studies. Causativizers in Manambu, from the Ndu family (Papua New Guinea), express manipulative effort, forceful action, and multiplicity and extent of the object, when applied to transitive verbs. Causativizing markers with transitive verbs in Tariana, from Arawak family (Brazil), have an applicative-like effect with transitive verbs - an additional, erstwhile peripheral, constituent becomes obligatory. The findings of the case-studies are then viewed in cross-linguistic perspective. The chapter also discusses other cases where the same morphemes operate as causatives with transitive, and also with intransitive verbs, and adds an extra meaning to the verb, to do with manipulative effort, forceful and intensive action, complete involvement of the object, and/or multiple or large object.Keywords: Arawak family; basic clause; causative construction; causativizing markers; Causer; Manambu; morphemes; Ndu family; Tariana; transitive verbs