Rice University
Linguistics Colloquium

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Re-evaluating ergativity in Eskimo-Aleut:
Evidence from Iñupiaq

Linda Lanz, Rice University

Abstract

Eskimo-Aleut languages are often touted as canonical (morphologically) ergative languages. I will show that Iñupiaq does not hold to this common description. Iñupiaq, an endangered Inuit language of the Eskimo-Aleut family, is spoken by approximately 3000-4000 people in northern Alaska. Like other Eskimo-Aleut languages, it is polysynthetic and relies heavily on morphological processes to carry out syntactic operations. In terms of morphological ergativity, Iñupiaq has non-canonical case marking. Prior to my fieldwork in 2007, syntactic ergativity in Iñupiaq had never been investigated. The fieldwork data indicate that Iñupiaq morphosyntax is ergative in some respects but accusative in others.


© 2007 Linda Lanz
Last updated 26 Nov 07
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