Universal #1996

Legacy number: 1996

 Number  1990
 Original  In terms of the above tree model, we may say that gender systems have their genesis in the left branching of the universe in the process of naming [ i.e., further differentiate +Animate]; languages which are right-branching with [-Animate] as the primary basis of classification possess classifier systems rather than gender ...
 Standardized  IF there is a gender system, THEN the domain of animate nouns is further differentiated;
IF there is a system of noun classification, THEN the domain of inanimate nouns is further differentiated.
 Keywords  gender, noun class, animacy
 Domain  inflection, syntax, semantics
 Type  implication
 Status  achronic
 Quality  absolute?
 Basis  impressionistic
 Source  Krishnamurti 1975/2001: 133-134

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Discussion
Notes
Uncharitably interpreted, these are tautologies: definitions of the terms 'gender' and 'class', in terms of the semantics of the respective distinctions. Clearly, however, Krishnamurti believes that there are further differences setting apart gender from class. These are not elaborated on, however.
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
Uncharitably interpreted, these are tautologies: definitions of the terms 'gender' and 'class', in terms of the semantics of the respective distinctions. Clearly, however, Krishnamurti believes that there are further differences setting apart gender from class. These are not elaborated on, however.