Syntax and Case

The syntax of the Tamil case system is usually dealt with in approximately the same manner as the inventory of morphemes: we are told that the case in question is `governed' by various constraints, such as that the accusative is `governed' by the presence of certain transitive verbs, and that nouns that are the objects of verbs are marked accusative. Dative is controlled by verbs of motion, marking motion toward something, or by verbs of giving, etc.

This can be illustrated by considering the text of a recent translation by Zvelebil (1982:10) of the grammatical portion of Tolkappiyam dealing with the case system.

``75. The fourth
is the case which is named -ku
Whatever substance it may be, it [denotes] receiving.

76. They say that the case denotes
the object for which an action is done,
that to which one subjects himself,
that to which something is apportioned,
that which is transformed,
that which is suitable to something,
that for which something is done,
and to express friendship, enmity, love and greatness
and so on."

My own suggestions for how the syntax of case relations should be handled is dealt with below in sections 1.3 and 1.4.