Primary object languages & pronouns

[dparvaz at UNM.EDU]

> In di-transitive clauses, however, it is the RECIPIENT/GOAL which triggers/governs
> agreement on the verb.
>
> [much snippage]
>
> Again, does anyone know of other languages with this pattern?

In the sign languages that I work in -- American Sign Language (ASL) and the Sign
Language of Jordan -- those verbs which do have Subject/Object agreement, AND are
showing a kind of ditransitive relation (like the prototype 'give') typically agree with
AGENT and RECIPIENT/GOAL. These verbs typically move in space between their
arguments.

So, in ASL a verb like HIT, a citation form of which looks something like...

http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/H/W1634.htm

... (QuickTime required) starts with the "hitter" and moves to the "hittee" --
definitely moving between AGENT and PATIENT. However, in the case of GIVE...

http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/aslweb/G/W1443.htm

... the agreement is as you stated in your question.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Dan.