Universal #1973

Legacy number: 1973

 Number  1967
 Original  Every language has at least one set of forms or constructions whose primary function (or one of several major functions) is to denote copulative relationships (e.g., identity, equivalence, class membership, class inclusion, attribution of property). In other words, every language has at least one copula or copula constructions, even if this is a zero of some kind which clearly contrasts with other elements commutable with it.
 Standardized  Every language has at least one set of forms or constructions whose primary function (or one of several major functions) is to denote copulative relationships (e.g., identity, equivalence, class membership, class inclusion, attribution of property). In other words, every language has at least one copula or copula constructions, even if this is a zero of some kind which clearly contrasts with other elements commutable with it.
 Keywords  verb, copula, zero
 Domain  syntax, semantics
 Type  unconditional
 Status  achronic
 Quality  absolute
 Basis  "widely held assumption"
 Source  Ferguson 1972: 79

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Discussion
Notes
Examples: French être, Hebrew Ø, Chinese shi.
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
Examples: French être, Hebrew ø, Chinese shi.