El ergativismo del euskera: intento de una reconstrucción interna

Abstract

In this study, the author analyses the ergative structures in the Basque language, using information provided by the language itself as a basis. According to the author, the -k which forms the Basque ergative case is not an isolated phenomenon in Basque grammar, but rather something closely related to other analogical elements. Above all, the coincidence between the ergative -k and the instrumental -z is highlighted, which can be explained by the phonetic evolution k>z: gizonak>gizonaz, haranak>haranaz, etc. The -k of the ergative case could also well come from the adverbializer suffix -ki (-ki>-k) as confirmed by the adverbial nature of the ergative case.