Ellipsis of Shared Subjects and Direct Objects from Subsequent Predications in Earlier Egyptian *

Abstract

In this paper I discuss subject and object ellipsis from the second of two linked predications, where predication is meant as a cover term for both finite clauses and infinite verbal formations. Two different types of ellipsis are described. The first type is realized by using either hr + infinitive or a stative, these constructions occurring in complementary distribution. I show that this kind of ellipsis is equally possible for subjects and objects. This feature distinguishes Egyptian from European languages, where subjects are preferred targets for ellipsis. The possibility for the subject and the object to be elided together is particularly noteworthy and has not been adequately recognized to date. A second type of ellipsis is characterized by omission of the pronominal subject in verb forms of the sdm=f conjugation. This construction is more restricted in use and is found only in a chain of clauses that are largely parallel in structure.