Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 April 2026
In this chapter, we will analyze constructions including dative arguments. To begin with, we will discuss ditransitive constructions. On the one hand, we will present the different types of datives involved in these constructions, such as recipients, benefactives, external possessors, affected datives, and sources. On the other hand, we will analyze the nature of trivalent verbal forms, particularly auxiliary selection and applicative morphemes. Additionally, we will explore constructions that involve two arguments instead of three. We will start with those constructions that involve an ergative and a dative argument, referred to as bivalent unergatives by Fernández and Ortiz de Urbina (2012). Then, we will analyze constructions involving an absolutive and a dative argument, termed bivalent unaccusatives by the same authors (2010). Dative alternations will also be discussed. Other contexts where dative marks subjects or objects predicating from (psych) nouns and adjectives will be explored in Chapter 4.
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