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Universal 78:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 78:

Original
Only languages in which (a) passivization involves complete loss of the semantic case-coding properties of the object and an assumption by it of all the case-coding properties of the subject, and (b) no additional provisions exist for coding the semantic case of promoted non-accusative objects on the verb, will exhibit the accusative-only constraints on passivization.
Standardized
IF passivization is restricted to direct objects, THEN the direct object loses any direct or verbal marking for its semantic case in the passive and acquires all case-coding properties of a subject.
Keywords
diathesis, passivization, subject, verb, direct object
Domain
inflection, syntax
Type
implication
Status
achronic
Quality
absolute
Basis
languages in Givón 1975
Source
Givón 1975: 118-120
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Accusative object in the terminology of Givón means “direct object”.

    1. May 2020

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