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In:Diachronic and Typological Perspectives on Anticausativization
Edited by Guglielmo Inglese, Giulia Mazzola and Eugenio Goria
[Typological Studies in Language 138] 2026
► pp. 73–118

Chapter 4
Anticausativization patterns in Australian languages

 | University of Torino
 | University of Leuven | Australian National University
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
This chapter explores the encoding of causal-noncausal alternations in Australian languages, with a focus on anticausativization. Using a genetically and geographically representative sample of 60 languages, we identified four major strategies involved in the anticausative pattern: verbalizers, complex verbs, conjugation class change, and verbal intransitivizers. Our survey reveals a range of distributional differences, in terms of base domain, geographic and genetic distribution. We traced diachronic sources and developmental mechanisms, showing that the four strategies may be connected via two main grammaticalization pathways: from reflexives to anticausatives, and possibly from complex verbs to verbalizers and to conjugation class markers (following McGregor 2002). These findings deepen our understanding of transitivity and voice in Australian languages and contribute to the broader diachronic typology of anticausative marking.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Sample, data and analysis
    • 2.1Sample
    • 2.2Data and analysis
  • 3.A typology of anticausative marking
    • 3.1Pairs of verbalizers
      • 3.1.1Pama-Nyungan languages
      • 3.1.2Non-Pama-Nyungan languages
    • 3.2Complex verbs
      • 3.2.1Non-Pama-Nyungan languages
      • 3.2.2Pama-Nyungan languages
      • 3.2.3Other complex verb structures
    • 3.3Verbal intransitivizers
      • 3.3.1Distribution
      • 3.3.2Formal marking
      • 3.3.3Semantic specificity
    • 3.4Conjugation class change
      • 3.4.1Distribution
      • 3.4.2Productivity
    • 3.5Summary
  • 4.The diachrony of anticausative marking
    • 4.1Complex verbs
    • 4.2Verbal intransitivizers
    • 4.3Verbalizers
    • 4.4Conjugation class change
    • 4.5An integrated diachronic approach
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Author queries
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • References
  • Appendix
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