Universal #275
Legacy number: 275
| Number | 274 |
| Original | If by means of reduplication a decrease of quantity or degree may be expressed in a language, there are cases in that language in which reduplication expresses an increase of quantity or degree. |
| Standardized | IF a decrease of quantity or degree can be expressed by means of reduplication, THEN an increase of quantity or degree can also be expressed by reduplication. |
| Keywords | reduplication |
| Domain | morphology, semantics |
| Type | implication |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | absolute |
| Basis | unspecified |
| Source | Uspensky 1968: 14 [Uspensky 1972: 68]; see Vardul’ 1969, referring to Uspensky |
Discussion
Notes
In other words, it is assumed that there exists no language in which reduplication would express exclusively a DEcrease of quantity or degree – i.e., that reduplication is primarily augmentative rather than diminutive.
Comment
In other words, it is assumed that there exists no language in which reduplication would express exclusively a DEcrease of quantity or degree – i.e., that reduplication is primarily augmentative rather than diminutive.
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