16.585, Qs: Lomongo Speakers; Ergativity and Thematic Roles

[LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-16-585. Sun Feb 27 2005. ISSN: 1068 - 4875.

Subject: 16.585, Qs: Lomongo Speakers; Ergativity and Thematic Roles

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===========================Directory==============================

1)
Date: 24-Feb-2005
From: Nikki Adams < nadams at uchicago.edu >
Subject: Lomongo Speakers

2)
Date: 25-Feb-2005
From: Vita Markman < markman at eden.rutgers.edu >
Subject: Ergativity and Thematic Roles

	
-------------------------Message 1 ----------------------------------
Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2005 17:53:31
From: Nikki Adams < nadams at uchicago.edu >
Subject: Lomongo Speakers



Hello,

I am searching for speakers of a particular language.  I'm looking at
Lomongo, and it is difficult to find speakers.

Thanks,

Nikki

Linguistic Field(s): Language Description

Subject Language(s): Mongo-nkundu (MOM)


	
-------------------------Message 2 ----------------------------------
Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2005 17:53:34
From: Vita Markman < markman at eden.rutgers.edu >
Subject: Ergativity and Thematic Roles

	

Dear all,

i was wondering if anyone knows any references on the following question:

in ergative (split-ergative ) languages, is the range of theta-roles
assigned to the ergative subject limited at all semantically such that it
must be agentive or could it also be an experiencer? For example, in
english, sentences such as:
(1) and (2) may arguably involve different theta -roles for the subject
(e.g. experiencer vs. agent). Can an ergative subject in (any?/ some?/all?)
ergative languages also be used in a sentence such as (1) where it is
non-agentive.

(1) John likes Mary

(2) John hit Mary

i would greatly appreciate any references/ pointers on this issue.

thank you very much,
-vita markman.

Linguistic Field(s): Syntax




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LINGUIST List: Vol-16-585