Ergativity as transitive unaccusativity

Abstract

The present article proposes a non-parametric approach to ergativity. It is argued that ergativity does not depend on a parametric choice, but on morphological properties of certain constructions found in a wide and varied array of languages. It is claimed (i) that the notion of ergativity should include not only canonical ergative patterns, but also, as a part of the same phenomenon, oblique subject constructions (i.e. dative experiencers and so-called quirky subjects), and (ii) that ergativity can be understood as the consequence of a defective accusative case assignment in transitive constructions. In this sense, I propose to consider ergativity in general as a special kind of deponency, that is, as transitive unaccusativity.