Universal #557
Legacy number: 557
| Number | 555 |
| Original | Absolute forms of cardinal numbers may have overt markers added to the contextual forms, but not vice versa. |
| Standardized | When there is an overt marker distinguishing absolute and contextual numbers, THEN this marker is added to the contextual form yielding the absolute form, and not vice versa. |
| Keywords | numeral |
| Domain | word formation, syntax |
| Type | no genuine implication; rather: provided that |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | statistical |
| Basis | 56 languages mentioned in Greenberg 1978a |
| Source | Greenberg 1978a: 287 (#49) |
Discussion
Counterexamples
In Moroccan Arabic (Semitic, Afro-Asiatic), from 11-19 the contextual forms are longer, e.g. hdasel ‘eleven’ (contextual), hdas ‘eleven’ (absolute).
Notes
There is a fair number of languages in which there are distinct counting and discourse forms. In such instances we may call the former absolute and the latter contextual. Note also ##558, 560.
Comment
There is a fair number of languages in which there are distinct counting and discourse forms. In such instances we may call the former absolute and the latter contextual. Note also <a class="innerLink" href="browse.php?entry_id=558"><img src="../img/entry.gif" border="0">, <a class="innerLink" href="browse.php?entry_id=560"><img src="../img/entry.gif" border="0">
Log in to join the discussion.