Query: double object and dative structures
bingfu
bingfu at USC.EDU
Sat May 2 16:03:33 UTC 1998
Query: double object and dative structures
It seems all double object structures can shift to dative
structures, but the reverse does not always hold, as shown in examples
below.
(1) a. I give it to John.
b. *I give John it.
(2) a. I give it to him.
b. *I give him it.
Now, I would like to know:
1. Are there any counterexamples that only double object holds?
(in zero context, i.e. '?Mary threw John the ball. But he wasn't
looking' does not count).
2. As I know, this asymmetric shift relation holds true of Chinese
corresponding opposition.
I would like to know to what extent this asymmetry is universal.
Specifically, how does your native language behave in this aspect?
If responses are sufficient to draw a conclusion, I will make a
summary.
Thanks!
Bingfu LU
USC
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