Universal #1931

Legacy number: 1931

 Number  1925
 Original  If a language has two modifier constructions that differ in linear order and in linguistic distance, the construction with a prenominal modifier will display the closer conceptual distance.
 Standardized  If a language has two modifier constructions that differ in linear order and in linguistic distance, the construction with a prenominal modifier will display the closer conceptual distance.
 Keywords  order, noun, modifier, conceptual distance
 Domain  morphology, syntax
 Type  unconditional
 Status  achronic
 Quality  statistical
 Basis  40 language sample
 Source  Croft & Deligianni 2001

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Discussion
Counterexamples
In Lahu (Tibeto-Burman) and Ute (Uto-Aztecan), a prenomial demonstrative indicates deixis, while a postposed demonstrative indicates definiteness. This hypotheis is also violated by Maltese (Semitic, Afro-Asiatic), Modern Cornish (Celtic, IE), Albanian (Albanian, IE), and Capanawa (???) (Croft & Deligianni 2001).In sum, of 32 cases of a difference in conceptual distance between prenominal modifiers and postnominal modifiers, 26 cases (81%) supported the hypothesis and 6 cases (19 %) disconfirmed it.
Notes
Following Haiman (1983, 1985), syntactic integration can be measured in terms of LINGUISTIC DISTANCE. The linguistic distance between two elements in a construction, such as a modifier and a noun in an noun phrase, is determined by whether or not there is a third morpheme linking the two elements in the construction, and the type boundary between the elements (morpheme boundary or word boundary). Semantic integration can be measured in terms of CONCEPTUAL DISTANCE. Haiman defines conceptual distance as follows (1985: 106-107):Two ideas are conceptually close to the extent that theya. share semantic features, properties or parts; b. affect each other; c. are factually inseparable; d. are perceives as a unit, whether factually inseparable or not.
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
Following Haiman (Haiman 1983, Haiman 1985), syntactic integration can be measured in terms of LINGUISTIC DISTANCE. The linguistic distance between two elements in a construction, such as a modifier and a noun in an noun phrase, is determined by whether or not there is a third morpheme linking the two elements in the construction, and the type boundary between the elements (morpheme boundary or word boundary). Semantic integration can be measured in terms of CONCEPTUAL DISTANCE. Haiman defines conceptual distance as follows (Haiman 1985: 106-107):
Two ideas are conceptually close to the extent that they
a. share semantic features, properties or parts; b. affect each other; c. are factually inseparable; d. are perceives as a unit, whether factually inseparable or not.