Universal #2023
Legacy number: 2023
| Number | 2017 |
| Original | All languages have words comparable, though not necessarily identical in meaning, with cry and smile; that is words referring to bodily expression of good and bad feelings. |
| Standardized | There are words comparable, though not necessarily identical in meaning, with cry/weep and smile/laugh; that is words referring to bodily expression of good and bad feelings. |
| Keywords | emotion, sensation, body |
| Domain | lexicon |
| Type | unconditional |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | absolute |
| Basis | "working hypothesis ... on evidence gleaned from both cross-linguistic and cross-cultural studies" |
| Source | Wierzbicka 1999: 275, 282 |
Discussion
Notes
Cf. this non-linguistic universal:In all cultures people appear to link some facial gestures with either good or bad feelings, and in particular, they link the raised corners of the mouth with good feelings whereas turned down corners of the mouth or a wrinkled nose appear to be linked with bad feelings. (pp275-276)
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In all cultures people appear to link some facial gestures with either good or bad feelings, and in particular, they link the raised corners of the mouth with good feelings whereas turned down corners of the mouth or a wrinkled nose appear to be linked with bad feelings. (pp 275-276)