Universal 88: N Dem ⇒ N Rel;
equivalently: Rel N ⇒ Dem N

Universal 88: N Dem ⇒ N Rel;
equivalently: Rel N ⇒ Dem N

Original

If a language has noun before demonstrative, then it has noun before relative clause.

Standardized

IF the demonstrative follows the noun, THEN the relative clause follows the noun.

OR, BY CONTRAPOSITION:
IF the relative clause precedes the noun, THEN the demonstrative precedes the noun.

Keywords

order, relative clause, demonstrative, noun

Domain

syntax

Type

implication

Status

achronic

Quality

statistical, almost absolute

Basis

sample of 350 languages in Hawkins 1983

Source

Hawkins 1983: 83-84

Counterexamples

Rel N & N Dem: Basque (isolate) (Hawkins 1983: 84, Dryer 2000).Chaha (Semitic, Afro-Asiatic); [Modern Literary] Tibetan (Tibetic, Tibeto-Burman), Meithei, Ao, Tangkhul Naga, Bawm (Kuki-Chin-Naga, Tibeto-Burman), Achang, Akha, Hani, Lahu (Burmese-Lolo, Tibeto-Burman), Bai (Bai, Tibeto-Burman); Kobon (East New Guinea Highlands); Kombai (Central and South New Guinea); Yale (Mek, Trans-New Guinea) (Dryer 2000).