Alternations of Yorùbá
| Alternation name | Coded? | Description | Examples | Verbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
U
|
n | The possessor of the object of the basic frame becomes the object of the alternate frame, and the object becomes a ní-phrase. | 8 | |
|
U
|
n | This alternation is commonly found with experiential verbs in Yoruba. The preverbal subject swaps position with the postverbal object without affecting the meaning of the construction. | 6 | |
|
U
|
n | A prepositional argument of the basic frame becomes a prepositionless object of the alternate frame. | 3 | |
|
U
|
n | The patientive object argument of the basic frame becomes the subject in the alternate frame. | 9 | |
|
U
|
n | The ní-theme argument of the basic frame is omitted in the derived frame. | 1 | |
|
U
|
n | The postverbal ní-argument of the basic frame becomes a preverbal fi-argument of the alternate frame. | 1 | |
|
U
|
n | The preverbal fi-argument (or adjunct) of the basic frame becomes a postverbal ní-argument of the alternate frame. | 10 | |
|
U
|
n | The object of the basic frame becomes a preverbal fi-phrase in the alternate frame. | 1 | |
|
U
|
n | The sí-recipient argument of the basic frame is omitted in the alternate frame. The referent is inferred from the context. | 0 | |
|
U
|
n | An oblique argument is dropped in the nonbasic fame. | 2 |