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Universal 139:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 139:

Original
If in a language a property is expressed alternatively by a noun and an adjective and there is an associated difference between temporary versus permanent property, it is the noun which will express permanent property and the adjective which will express temporary property.
Standardized
IF a property is expressed alternatively by a noun and an adjective and there is an associated difference between temporary versus permanent property, THEN it is the noun which will express permanent property and the adjective which will express temporary property.
Keywords
word class, noun, adjective, time-stability
Domain
syntax, semantics
Type
no genuine implication; rather: provided that
Status
achronic
Quality
absolute
Basis
languages in Wierzbicka 1988
Source
inferred from Wierzbicka 1988
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    See a lot of work on “time stability” as underlying word-class distinction, from Aristotle to Givón, Pustet, Wetzer, Stassen.

    1. May 2020

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