The Acquisition of Ergativity: An Overview

• Main Author: Bavin, Edith
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 2017
• Subjects: inuktitut
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198739371.013.25; https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/37094/chapter/323334928

Abstract The chapter illustrates variation associated with ergative alignment and properties of ergative languages that might impact on acquisition of the system. Language input, the social context and developmental patterns are also discussed, as are criteria for determining when a system has been acquired. Examples provided represent different language families and geographic areas. Also included are more detailed examples: for Kaluli, which has a split ergative system, dependent on word order and pragmatic factors; for Arctic Quebec Inuktitut which employs detransitivisation processes to change the role of the arguments of bivalent verbs; and for Warlpiri which has frequent ellipsis of core arguments, so reducing the frequency of ergative marking in the input. The data illustrate that split morphological systems and variable use of ergative marking do not seem to be problematic overall. By the age of 2.5 or 3 years, children show knowledge of the system.