Introduction Datives: Structural vs. inherent - abstract vs. morphological - autonomous vs. combinatory - universally vs. language-specifically configured?

The present introduction serves mainly one purpose: to sketch what appear to be relevant topics in the linguistic discussion of Case in general and the Dative in particular. It is not meant as a rundown at whatever density and exhaustion of the contributions contained in this volume. The selection is guided by foci on datives, governed or free, in German, whose research history is rich and long. It is no doubt superfluous to emphasize that there is much more work on datives in the languages sporting overt case morphology that would need at least to be hinted at. I have chosen the following topics to be touched upon: 1. Cases: Modern deep problems vs. older surface issues; 2. Case contingent upon valence-induced case combinations; 3. Case governed by V-incorporated P; 4. Dative as a recipient argument and scalar interpretations; 5. Dative(s): reflexivity and reciprocity; 6. Raised possessors as ergatives in non-ergative languages: the case of Modern German; 7. Paradigmatic and syntagmatic dative relations. A new chapter in case grammar; 8. The dative as adjective governed: Russian vs. German.