Ergative Constructions in Japanese: On the Properties of Case Marker ‘GA’
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Ma, Tzu-Hsuan
Abstract
Although Japanese is generally classified as an accusative language in linguistic typology, sentences with an ergative construction, such as “Natsuko-wa Meron-ga SUKIDA”, are also very commonly seen. Therefore, if we analyze the sentence above from the perspective of accusative language, it will be very difficult to define the case marker ‘GA’. In the thesis, I will review Japanese sentence construction from the viewpoint of ergative language, and thereby redefine the case marker ‘GA’. Through the ergative construction, the two functions of ‘GA’ can be unified into one, which is nominative case. Besides, by referring to the theory of “Unaccusative Hypothesis” and “Lexical Conceptual Structure”, I discuss the ergative constructions in Japanese from both the syntax level and meaning level. Finally, by comparing ergative construction with accusative construction, I will bring out the essence of the ergative construction in Japanese.
My conclusions are as follows: (ⅰ) The theory of Ergative constructions in Japanese is tenable. The following is how it takes place: First, there is something with certain qualities. Then people recognize it and hence the emotional response. In other words, that objectivity turns into subjectivity is the necessary element in the occurrence of the ergative construction in Japanese. (ⅱ) Through the theory of LCS, the ergative construction (syntax level) and the ergative predicates (meaning level) can be combined together. Therefore, it is proved that the rule of the appearance in “external argument” and “internal argument” will change and will be reflected in the syntax, according to the degree of subjectivity in ergative predicates. Owing to the difference in the appearance, I divided the ergative predicates into three groups. (ⅲ) Whereas ergative construction is with subjectivity, accusative construction is with objectivity. Thus, the essence of the ergative lies in the process, which happens incidentally while the causativization of subjectivity is taking place. This is conspicuous in Japanese syntactic phenomenon such as “point of view” and “case arrangement”.
Subjects
nominative case
ergative construction
Unaccusative Hypothesis
subjectivity
causativization
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