DECREASING VALENCY

Question 1

VALENCY

Answer 1

the number of arguments (compulsive nominals) that a verb has

Question 2

PASSIVES & IMPERSONAL PASSIVES

Answer 2

1. the number of arguments is reduced by one
2. the original A becomes a oblique or disappears
3. the original P becomes the S
4. the clause becomes intransitive
5. extra marking on the verb to indicate the valency change
   +
   - the first argument is demoted to an adjunct or disappears
   - BUT no other argument is promoted
   - often with special impersonal passive marking on the verb

Question 3

ANTIPASSIVES

Answer 3

1. the number of arguments is reduced by one
2. the original P becomes an oblique or disappears
3. the original A becomes the S
4. the clause becomes intransitive
5. extra marking on the verb to indicate the valency change

Question 4

ANTICAUSATIVES

Answer 4

1. the number of arguments is reduced from two to one
2. the original A is eliminated syntactically and semantically
3. the original P becomes the S
4. the clause becomes intransitive
5. extra marking on the verb to indicate the valency change

Question 5

REFLEXIVES

Answer 5

1. the number of arguments is reduced by one
2. the original P is replaced by an expression of co-referentiality with A
3. the original A becomes the S
4. the clause becomes intransitive
5. extra marker of the valency change

Question 6

RECIPROCALS

Answer 6

• expressing co-referentiality of two entities – typically A and P of transitive
• as well asmutuality

Question 7

NOUN INCORPORATION

Answer 7

1. the number of arguments is reduced by one
2. the original P becomes part of the verb and loses case and agreement (also, S)
3. the original A becomes the S
4. the clause becomes intransitive
5. sometimes extra marking on the verb to indicate the valency change