Case-shift on Megrelian adverbs

Abstract

Abstract Case-shift is the phenomenon whereby the case marking assigned to core arguments in the clause can show sensitivity to the TAM series of the verbal predicate. In Megrelian (Kartvelian; Western Georgia) case-shift affects case marking on verbal arguments, but also determines the case-marking of certain adverbs. In the context of a particular verbal type, inverted verbs, adjectival adverbs of degree and measure appear to agree in case with one of the core arguments of the clause they modify. This chapter provides a comprehensive description of this remarkable and apparently unique agreement phenomenon, explores the complex conditions involved in its operation, and suggests a possible scenario for its emergence in Megrelian.