Multiple Object Constructions in P'orhepecha: Argument Realization and Valence-Affecting Morphology

In Multiple Object Constructions in P'orhepecha, Capistran offers a detailed description of double and triple object clauses in P'orhepecha, a Mesoamerican isolate with a case system lacking an accusative-dative distinction. Regarding argument realization, Capistran discusses alternating constructions and a construction split triggered by the person hierarchy. Valence-affecting operations-applicative, causative/instrumental and part-whole lexical suffixes-are examined, highlighting the person features of applicative suffixes and the complex part-whole morphology. Capistran’s analysis demonstrates that in P'orhepecha most object coding properties show a neutral pattern, while all behavioral properties present asymmetries that shape a secundative pattern or PO/SO alignment. Capistran argues that the strong tendency in P'orhepecha to determine PO selection according to a thematic ranking helps explain the (un)grammaticality of tritransitive constructions.