Dependent case and the sometimes independence of ergativity and Differential Object Marking
Mark C. Baker · 2024
Abstract Dependent case theory claims that ergative case and accusative case are both assigned when one NP c-commands another NP in the same domain. This suggests that, in languages with both cases, the subject is ergative if and only if the object is accusative. This is false for Hindi, where ergative case depends on the Aspect of the clause (split ergativity) but accusative case depends on the specificity/definiteness of the object (Differential Object Marking). First, the chapter argues that ergative and accusative are indeed both structural dependent cases in Hindi. Then it shows how the seeming-contradiction can be resolved if ergative and accusative are assigned in different domains: ergative in vP and accusative in TP. Finally, it argues that dative subjects never trigger accusative case on direct objects because of the special status of c-command relationships that are established the first time NPs are spelled out.