Lexical restrictions on grammatical relations in voice constructions (Northern Amis)

Abstract Amis (Austronesian, Taiwan) displays a rich, partly symmetrical voice system and split case-marking pattern which are selected restricted by (i) verb classes whose basic diathesis correlates with semantic properties such as activities versus states, (ii) Aktionsart features (i.e., atelic telic accomplishment achievements), also denote degrees of patient affectedness. Referential definiteness, agent’s animacy intentionality bear on selection. This offers alternate ways encoding arguments within bipartite pattern; it promotes peripheral, non-core to subject function via applicative constructions.