Syntax or Semantics: ‘Ergativity’ in Neo-Aramaic

Abstract In certain dialects of Neo-Aramaic, argument alignment in the past perfective based on an original *qtīl lī-construction, is traditionally described as reflecting ‘split ergative’ alignment. There are, however, problems with this analysis. The alignment system of the Neo-Aramaic construction has also been described as ‘extended ergative’ or ‘restricted ergative’, although all of these alternative approaches still assume an underlying ergative base. This article argues that the alignment system exhibited by the respective constructions in Neo-Aramaic dialects should not be understood as syntactically but as semantically conditioned, and that they consequently reflect semantic, not ergative alignment. Furthermore, based on the diachronic derivation of semantic alignment in Neo-Aramaic, it will be argued that Aramaic is unlikely to ever have had a fully productive ergative system in this construction at any point during its history.