Universal 69: Prep ⇒ (N A ⇒ N G)

Universal 69: Prep ⇒ (N A ⇒ N G)

Original

If a language has Prep word order, then if the adjective follows the noun, the genitive follows the noun.

Standardized

IF there are prepositions, THEN IF the adjective follows the noun, THEN the genitive follows the noun.

Keywords

order, preposition, adjective, noun, attributive, genitive

Domain

syntax

Type

nested implication

Status

achronic

Quality

statistical

Basis

sample of 350 languages in Hawkins 1983

Source

Hawkins 1979: 627; Hawkins 1980: 202; Hawkins 1983: 66

Counterexamples

1. Hawkins 1983: 67 himself mentions four languages as Prep & N A & GN: Kaliai-Kove, Gitua (both E. Malayo-Polynesian, Austronesian); Arapesh (Toricelli); Karen (Tibeto-Burman, Sino-Tibetan). They are all SVO, and therefore Hawkins adds an additional constraint to the implication: see #70. 2. Prep & NA & GN: Kilivila (Oceanic, Austronesian); Garawa (Garawan, Australian) (Dryer 1991, 2000). Bwe Karen, Sgaw Karen (Karen, Tibeto-Burman); Hmong Njua (Miao-Yao), Buru, Nuaulu, Alune, Paulohi, Tetun (Central Malayo-Polynesian, Austronesian); Kaliai-Kove, Patep, Kilivila (Oceanic, Austronesian); Irarutu, Taba, Mor (South Halmahera-NW New Guinea); Sahu, West Makian (Noth Halmaheran); Abun (Birds Head, West Papuan); Arapesh (Toricelli); Palikur (Maipuran, Arawak); Mataco (Mataco) (Dryer 2000).