On ergativity and ergative unergatives

Abstract

This paper articulates and defends a view of Ergativity rooted in Case Theory. The leading idea is that given two structural (i.e. as opposed to “semantic ” or “inherent”) Cases, languages must determine which will be realised on the sole argument of an intransitive clause. I claim that this is the result of a very simple parameter, the Obligatory Case Parameter and this is the sole systematic difference between Ergative and Nominative systems. Other differences between languages are the result of independent parameters which cut across the Ergative vs. Nominative dichotomy. 0. Introduction. Ergative and Nominative Sys tems. * This paper is a substantially rewritten (and shortened) version of my syntax generals paper, “Ergativity, Economy and the Extended Projection Principle”. The one significant part of that paper which has not made it into the present one is the

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