Quasi-passive

Abstract

In Section 2.2, the quasi-passive was defined as a construction that has the ‘same function [as the passive] with different orientation’. We have also seen that this can contribute to the voice continuum, along with passive diathesis. In this section, we analyse a case of quasi-passive involving inversion and the use of the indefinite pronoun. Inversion is not generally related to the passive by scholars, except for example in some papers in a book edited by Givón (1983). The passive and the inverse are related in terms of topicality. The use of indefinite pronouns is another case of quasi-passive, often cited in the literature, and normally described in terms of expressing a passive reading. However, the explanation for such phenomena, which can be cross-linguistically attested, has not gone further than impersonalisation. An attempt is made in this Chapter to propose further evidence for the linkage between the passive and these quasi-passive constructions.