Universal #60

Legacy number: 60

 Number  60
 Original  If some or all adverbs follow the adjective they modify, then the language is one in which the qualifying adjective follows the noun and the verb precedes its nominal object as the dominant order.
 Standardized  IF some or all adverbs follow the adjective they modify, THEN the qualifying adjective follows the noun and the verb precedes its nominal object as the basic order.
 Formula  Adj Adv ⇒ N Adj & VO
 Keywords  order, adverb, adjective, noun, verb, object
 Domain  syntax
 Type  implication
 Status  achronic
 Quality  statistical
 Basis  30 languages of Greenberg 1963 sample
 Source  Greenberg 1963: 88, #21

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Discussion
Counterexamples
1. Isthmus Mixe (Mixe-Zoquean) and Seri (Hokan) have A Adv and N A, but OV as basic order (Pickett 1983: 544).2. A Intens & A N: Sango (Adamawa-Ubangian, Niger-Congo); Kresh (Bongo-Bagirmi, Nilo-Saharan); Hausa (West Chadic, Afro-Asiatic); [Car] Nicobarese (Austroasiatic); Yareba (Central and SE New Guinea); Washkuk, Alamblak (Sepik); Maung (Yiwaidjan, Australian), Ungarinjin (Wororan, Australian), Baagandji (Pama-Nyungan, Australian); Carib (Carib) (Dryer 2000).3. A Intens & OV: Kanuri (Nilo-Saharan); Jad (Tibetic, Tibeto-Burman), Lotha, Angami, Siyin Chin, Mizo, Lai Chin, Bawm, Lakher (Kuki-Chin-Naga, Tibeto-Burman), Lalo, Lahu (Burmese-Lolo, Tibeto-Burman); Tawala, Balawaia (Oceanic, Austronesian); Kobon, Golin, Salt-Yui (East New Guinea Highlands); Asmat, Wambon (Central and South New Guinea); Koita, Yareba, Magi, Daga (Central and SE New Guinea); Baruya (Angan, Trans-New Guinea), Sentani (Sentani, Trans-New Guinea), Siroi, Amele (Madang, Trans-New Guinea), Waskia (Adalbert Range, Trans-New Guinea); Awtuw, Washkuk, Alamblak (Sepik); Murinypata (Murinbata, Australian), Maranungku (Daly, Australian), Ungarinjin (Wororan, Australian), Pitjantjatjara (Pama-Nyungan, Australian); Chitimacha (isolate); Tunica (isolate); Choctaw (Muskogean); Diegueño (Yuman); Sanuma (Yanomam); Warao (isolate); Urubu-Kaapor, Siriono (Tupi); Carib, Apalai, Makuchi (Carib); Amahuaca (Panoan); Eseejja (Tacanan),;Kaingang (Ge-Kaingang) (Dryer 2000).
Notes
Dryer 1986: 103 “... there is no evidence of adverbs to precede the adjective in OV languages, and following it in VO languages”.
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
Dryer 1986: 103 "... there is no evidence of adverbs to precede the adjective in OV languages, and following it in VO languages".