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Universal 1147:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 1147:

Original
If a language has two or more basic passives they are likely to differ semantically with respect to the aspect ranges they cover.
Standardized
If there are two or more coexisting basic passives they are likely to differ semantically with respect to the aspect ranges they cover.
Keywords
diathesis, passive, aspect
Domain
inflection, syntax
Type
no genuine implication; rather: provided that
Status
achronic
Quality
statistical
Basis
languages in Keenan 1985a
Source
Keenan 1985a: 267
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Basic passives. Main features:(i) no agent phrase is present,(ii) the main verb (in its non-passive form) is transitive,(iii) the main verb expresses an activity, taking agent subjects and patient objects.Not genuinely IF-THEN, rather PROVIDED …?Or is the claim as follows?IF co-existing passives differ in anything other than aspect, THEN there will also be co-existing passives differing in aspect.

    1. May 2020

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