Universal #1004

Legacy number: 1004

 Number  1000
 Original  In patterned symbolic processes (particularly distance symbolism), vowel ablaut has the highest frequency of occurrence and most random language distribution both geographically and genetically.
 Standardized  Vowel ablaut is the commonest iconic means (especially for expressing distance).
 Keywords  iconicity, ablaut
 Domain  phonology, semantics
 Type  unconditional
 Status  achronic
 Quality  statistical
 Basis  136 language sample of Ultan 1978d
 Source  Ultan 1978d: 554

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Discussion
Counterexamples
Korean (Altaic or isolate)[no! is not a counterexample; see Raritätenkabinett #27]
Notes
1. Ultan’s sample is weighted in favour of American Indian languages (48).2. An implication?IF other expressive means are used for iconic purposes (especially for purposes of expressing distance), THEN vowel ablaut will also be used for an iconic purpose (the same?).
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
1. Ultan's sample is weighted in favour of American Indian languages (48).

2. An implication? IF other expressive means are used for iconic purposes (especially for purposes of expressing distance), THEN vowel ablaut will also be used for an iconic purpose (the same?).