Universal #424
Legacy number: 424
| Number | 423 |
| Original | If a language has Prep word order, then if the verb position is not SOV, the relative clause follows the noun. |
| Standardized | If there are prepositions, THEN IF basic order is not SOV, THEN the relative clause follows the noun. |
| Formula | Prep ⇒ (¬ SOV ⇒ N Rel) |
| Keywords | preposition, order, relative clause, noun |
| Domain | syntax |
| Type | nested implication |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | absolute |
| Basis | sample of 350 languages in Hawkins 1983 |
| Source | Hawkins 1979: 629; Hawkins 1983: 74 |
Discussion
Counterexamples
Asia Minor Greek is prepositional, VSO/SVO (i.e. non-SOV), but has RelN order (Campbell et al. 1988: 215).
Notes
Since the 1990s, Hawkins proposes alternative explanations of his universals (see e.g. Hawkins 1993: 234).
Comment
Since the 1990s, Hawkins proposes alternative explanations of his universals (see e.g. Hawkins 1993: 234).
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