The ordering restriction between the Sesotho applicative and causative suffixes

Abstract

In this article the ordering restriction between the Sesotho applicative and causative suffixes is examined. I propose that the order applicative-causative is unacceptable in Sesotho because it violates the Case requirement for the Benefactive and Causee arguments. With the order causative-applicative this requirement is met. This follows from the fact that the Sesotho Causative suffix adds inherent Case properties to a transitive verb while the applicative adds structural Case properties.