A Logical Analysis of the Configuration of Ergative-Absolutive Arguments

doi:10.12002/j.bisu.306

Abstract

Abstract:

Besides nominative-accusative structure, there is also ergative-absolutive structure. This paper logically traces the origin of the ergative-absolutive structure and elaborates on functional differences across its variants. Based on data from multiple languages, this paper proposes a hypothesis on the evolutionary direction of ergative-absolutive languages, holding that linguistic structure and form are closely related to nature, as well as to human productivity and civilization.

Keywords: ergative-absolutive language; ergative-absolutive structure; nominative-accusative structure; language evolution

摘要：

除主宾格句法结构外,语言中还存在另一种常见的句法结构：施通格句法结构。本文从理论和逻辑上推导了施通格句法结构的起源,较为系统地梳理了施通格句法结构内部的功能差异。在大量语言样本的基础上,文章提出了施通格语言演化方向的假设,认为语言句法结构模式与人类的生存环境、生产力水平和文明程度密切相关。

关键词: 施通格语言, 施通格结构, 主宾格结构, 语言演化

CLC Number:

H146.3

Jin Lixin. A Logical Analysis of the Configuration of Ergative-Absolutive Arguments[J]. Journal of Beijing International Studies University, 2020, 42(6): 3-23.

金立鑫. 施通格论元组配类型的逻辑分析[J]. 北京第二外国语学院学报, 2020, 42(6): 3-23.

Figures/Tables 5

References 36

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Value	Representation
Neutral	98
Nominative-accusative（standard）	46
Nominative-accusative（marked nominative）	6
Ergative-absolutive	32
Tripartite	4
Active-inactive	4
Total	190

Value	Representation
Neutral	98
Nominative-accusative（standard）	46
Nominative-accusative（marked nominative）	6
Ergative-absolutive	32
Tripartite	4
Active-inactive	4
Total	190

	1^st / 2^nd person pronouns	3^rd person pronouns	other nominals
A	Ø	-ŋgu（‘ERG’）	-ŋgu（‘ERG’）
S	Ø	Ø	Ø
P	-na（‘ACC’）	-na（‘ACC’）	Ø

	1^st / 2^nd person pronouns	3^rd person pronouns	other nominals
A	Ø	-ŋgu（‘ERG’）	-ŋgu（‘ERG’）
S	Ø	Ø	Ø
P	-na（‘ACC’）	-na（‘ACC’）	Ø

	Ergative property：yes	Ergative property：no
Absolutive property：yes	Warlpiri	Chinese
Absolutive property：no	Nez Perce	Latin