Light Verbs and Split Ergativity in the Western Cholan Languages

Abstract

This paper is a discussion of a complex verbal construction in Western Cholan languages and how this construction interacts with the split ergative systems found in these languages. The Cholan languages all display split-ergative systems based on aspect. In addition to this split system, Vázquez claims that Chol has properties of split intransitivity as an agentive/non-agentive language. This perspective would mean that Chol has accusativity that is aspect-based (split-ergativity) and lexically/semantically based (split-intransitivity). This characterization is rendered problematic by the fact that these person markers attach to a light verb cha’len which, by itself, is a transitive verb. Moreover, complex constructions in Mayan languages have often been analyzed (historically as well as diachronically) as involving nominalization. In order to evaluate the status of cha’len it is useful to compare the Chol examples with similar cases in its closest relative, Chontal of Tabasco, as well as other comparative and historical data. This comparative and historical approach reveals both languages moving closer to accusative-systems, a process that is being accelerated through contact with Spanish.