Universal #1626
Legacy number: 1626
| Number | 1622 |
| Original | If a language has a distinct class of adjectives, then nouns are generally characterised by the feature [+ Shape]. |
| Standardized | IF there is a distinct word class of adjectives, THEN nouns are characterised by the feature [+ Shape]. |
| Keywords | word class, adjective, noun |
| Domain | syntax, semantics |
| Type | implication |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | absolute |
| Basis | 50 languages (sampled by the method of Bakker, Hengeveld, & Rijkhoff) surveyed in Rijkhoff 2000 |
| Source | Rijkhoff 2000: 243 |
Discussion
Notes
Hmong Njua was the only potential counterexample in the sample (see #1625): it has adjectives and uses classifiers, which typically occur in languages with sort nouns [-Shape]. As Rijkhoff argues, Hmong Njua is the only classifier language in the sample that on a more or less regular basis indicates whether the referent consists of a collective or a singleton "set" entity [+Shape] (rather than a sort entity [-Shape]).
Comment
Hmong Njua was the only potential counterexample in the sample (see <a class="innerLink" href="browse.php?entry_id=1625"><img src="../img/entry.gif" border="0">): it has adjectives and uses classifiers, which typically occur in languages with sort nouns [-Shape]. As Rijkhoff argues, Hmong Njua is the only classifier language in the sample that on a more or less regular basis indicates whether the referent consists of a collective or a singleton "set" entity [+Shape] (rather than a sort entity [-Shape]).
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