Universal #1003
Legacy number: 1003
| Number | 999 |
| Original | Terminal intonations are almost universally low or falling for finality and assertion, and high or rising for the opposite, including yes-no questions. |
| Standardized | IF the illocutionary force is finality and assertion, THEN terminal intonation is low or falling. IF the illocutionary force is non-finality or non-assertion, THEN terminal intonation is high or rising. |
| Keywords | intonation, illocutionary force |
| Domain | phonology, semantics |
| Type | implication |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | almost absolute |
| Basis | 41 languages in Bolinger 1978, supplementing a 53 language sample from Ultan 1969, and a 175 language survey from Hermann 1942 |
| Source | Bolinger 1978: 472 |
Discussion
Counterexamples
Zuni (isolate) may have no pitch-marking of questions. It appears to have an invariable terminal fall. See the Raritätenkabinett for more exceptions.
Log in to join the discussion.