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Universal 1967:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 1967:

Original
Every language has at least one set of forms or constructions whose primary function (or one of several major functions) is to denote copulative relationships (e.g., identity, equivalence, class membership, class inclusion, attribution of property). In other words, every language has at least one copula or copula constructions, even if this is a zero of some kind which clearly contrasts with other elements commutable with it.
Standardized
Every language has at least one set of forms or constructions whose primary function (or one of several major functions) is to denote copulative relationships (e.g., identity, equivalence, class membership, class inclusion, attribution of property). In other words, every language has at least one copula or copula constructions, even if this is a zero of some kind which clearly contrasts with other elements commutable with it.
Keywords
verb, copula, zero
Domain
syntax, semantics
Type
unconditional
Status
achronic
Quality
absolute
Basis
“widely held assumption”
Source
Ferguson 1972: 79
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Examples: French être, Hebrew Ø, Chinese shi.

    1. May 2020

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