The Argument Structure of Passive and Antipassive in Paloor

Abstract

This paper discusses the argument structure of two valency-reducing processes i.e. passives and antipassives in Paloor, an endangered language spoken in Senegal. It shows the structure of passives in Paloor with a wide range of verbs with a few exceptions. This paper also sheds light on the syntax and semantics of antipassives. In both processes, the missing argument cannot surface contrary to some languages where it can appear as an oblique. Finally, I show that passives are more productive that antipassives as the latter are sensitive to animacy and (im)perfectivity.