Universal #1988
Legacy number: 1988
| Number | 1982 |
| Original | ... from the fact that subordinate clauses precede, it might be predicted that quotations would precede the quoting verb. Also, from the presence of conjunctive verb forms, one might predict a tendency to use the conjunctive of a verb 'to say' as a quotation-ending particle. |
| Standardized | (i) IF subordinate clauses precede their main clauses, THEN quotations precede the quoting verb. (ii) IF there are conjunctive verb forms, THEN the conjunctive of a verb 'to say' is used as a quotation marker following after the quote. |
| Keywords | order, subordination, speech reporting, quotative, verb, conjunctive |
| Domain | syntax |
| Type | implication |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | statistical |
| Basis | Bengali, Amharic, Turkish, Japanese |
| Source | Ferguson 1972: 108 |
Discussion
Notes
Ferguson continues:"What seems less predictable, given the present state of semantic theory, is that all four languages have uses of clauses with quotation-ending markers which are extensions from pure quotation to the expression of intention or purpose."
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"What seems less predictable, given the present state of semantic theory, is that all four languages have uses of clauses with quotation-ending markers which are extensions from pure quotation to the expression of intention or purpose."