Universal 635: SA ⇒ ergative V non-accusative alignment

Universal 635: SA ⇒ ergative V non-accusative alignment

Original

If a language has Suffixaufnahme, then (perhaps) it is predominantly of ergative or other non-accusative alignment.

Standardized

IF there is Suffixaufnahme, THEN there will be ergative or other non-accusative alignment.

Keywords

case, agreement, Suffixaufnahme, ergative-absolutive alignment

Domain

inflection, syntax

Type

implication

Status

achronic

Quality

statistical

Basis

languages surveyed in Plank (ed.) 1995

Source

Plank 1995: 94

Counterexamples

Malto (Dravidian) is of nominative-accusative alignment, but allows dative case subjects in possessor and undergoer function. (credited to W. Schellinger)