This parameter considers the degree to which person marking (PM) of argument R[1] on transitive verbs is obligatory. Verbs expressing conscious, willful action should be chosen, and the first- and second-person patients should be examined as well. Marking refers to any morphological strategy.[2] If a language requires specific circumstances for the application of person marking of R on the verb, examples displaying those circumstances should be considered, and the language should be analyzed as showing R agreement.

Types:

NoRecM: Ditransitive verbs do not morphologically mark the person of the recipient.

RecM: Ditransitive verbs show agreement with the recipient in terms of person, regardless of whether the recipient appears as a noun or pronoun.

RecMN: Ditransitive verbs only show agreement with the recipient in terms of person if the recipient appears as a noun.[3]

RecMnotN: Ditransitive verbs only show agreement with the recipient in terms of person if the recipient does not appear as a noun.[4]

RecMnon3: Ditransitive verbs only show agreement with the recipient in terms of person if the recipient is first or second person.[5]

[1] R (recipient) refers to the third argument of a ditransitive verb, after the agent and patient. This argument represents the recipient or beneficiary of the action; for the verb give, the recipient is the person to whom the object is given.

[2] Morphological marking includes the use of non-independent person pronouns or clitics that attach to a word or phrase other than the verb. To be considered an independent pronoun, a pronoun must be able to appear in functions other than verbal agreement.

[3] Agreement is not shown if R appears as a personal pronoun.

[4] R appears as an independent personal pronoun or it does not appear in the sentence as an independent word.

[5] Agreement is not shown if R appears as a third-person noun or is otherwise understood to be third person.