Definition & Meaning of "split ergativity"

What is "split ergativity"?

Split ergativity is a grammatical system where a language exhibits both ergative and nominative-accusative alignment, but the choice between these systems depends on specific grammatical contexts, such as tense, aspect, or the types of verbs used. In languages with split ergativity, the marking of subjects and objects can vary, often switching between ergative and nominative-accusative patterns based on these contextual factors. For example, a language might use ergative marking in past tense contexts while adopting a nominative-accusative system in present tense contexts. This complexity allows for a nuanced expression of grammatical relationships, reflecting the interplay between different aspects of the language.