The Functional-semantic Differentiation of a Dative-marked Actant and an Adverbial-case Noun in an Old Georgian: Based on the Metatext of a Gelatian Translation

Abstract

This study explores the functional differentiation between the dative and adverbial cases in Old Georgian theological texts. It demonstrates that the choice between these cases is not merely morphological but carries significant semantic weight, shaping the logical accent and determining the relationship between the “defined” and “defining” components within the predicative structure. In Old Georgian, the dative and adverbial cases exhibit nuanced distinctions that influence syntactic organization. While the dative often highlights relational or indirect object roles, the adverbial emphasizes means, manner, or circumstantial aspects. This alternation affects the pragmatic layering of the proposition, allowing for the precise expression of complex theological concepts where subtle shifts in emphasis alter interpretive depth. Drawing on patristic and biblical examples, the analysis provides morphological breakdowns illustrating how switching between these cases modifies propositional content and predicate-argument relations. Furthermore, the paper establishes typological parallels with Ancient Greek. The findings reveal that Old Georgian was a highly flexible language capable of encoding complex logical ideas through strategic case selection. This refined use of the dative-adverbial opposition contributed to the expressive power of ecclesiastical literature, enabling to mirror the conceptual precision of source texts while adapting them to the native grammatical framework.