Verbal Templates Can Influence L-Selection in Semitic

Abstract

This squib documents a novel empirical generalization from selection in Semitic: lexically selected PPs can vary by (verbal) template. This discovery is problematic for current analyses which take (lexically) selected arguments to either be introduced by the root (Harley 2014a) or by the categorizing head (Merchant 2019), both of which are lower than the functional heads realized as Semitic templates. Templates can induce alternations in argument structure (e.g. causativization) and diathesis (e.g. passivization)—characteristics typically associated with v/Voice. A preliminary solution is sketched whereby PPs can be jointly selected by the root, categorizing head, and template-defining head.