Universal #73

Legacy number: 73

 Number  73
 Original  If the demonstrative determiner follows the noun, then the adjective follows the noun.
 Standardized  IF the demonstrative determiner follows the noun, THEN the adjective follows the noun.

OR, BY CONTRAPOSITION:
IF the adjective precedes the noun, THEN the demonstrative determiner precedes the noun.
 Formula  N Dem ⇒ N A;
equivalently: A N ⇒ Dem N
 Keywords  order, noun, demonstrative, adjective
 Domain  syntax
 Type  implication
 Status  achronic
 Quality  statistical (according to author absolute)
 Basis  sample of 350 languages in Hawkins 1983
 Source  Hawkins 1983: 82

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Discussion
Counterexamples
A N & N Dem: Tojolabal and Tzotzil (both Mayan) (Pickett 1983: 543).Berbice Dutch Creole; Mangbetu (C. Sudanic, Nilo-Saharan) [but see Comments], the latter is also a language with A N & N Num (Rijkhoff 1992: 257). Gbaya Kaka, Nzakara, Gbeya Bossangoa, Sango, Linda (all Adamawa-Ubangian, Niger-Congo); Majang (Surmic, Nilo-Saharan), Kresh (Bongo-Bagirmi, Nilo-Saharan); Gude (Biu-Mandara, Chadic, Afroasiatic), Hausa, Pa’anci (West Chadic, Afroasiatic), Chaha (Semitic, Afroasiatic); Lahu (Burmic, Sino-Tibetan)[but see Comments], Dafla (Tibetic, Sino-Tibetan)[but see Comments]; Central Agta (Philippine Austronesian); Nisgha, Coast Tsimshian (Tsimshianic); Jakaltek (Mayan) (Dryer 1989: 272, 2000).
Notes
1. Dryer 2000 no longer classifies Dafla (=Nishi) as AN & NDem, but as AN & DemN/NDem. In fact the typical structure is DemNDem, with two co-occurring demonstrative words. Also, closer examination of Lahu shows it to be AN/NA, not AN. Dryer classifies Mangbetu as NA, not AN.2. Cf. ##57, 114. 3. Since the 1990s Hawkins has proposed alternative explanations of his universals (see e.g. Hawkins 1993: 234).
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
1. Dryer 2000 no longer classifies Dafla (=Nishi) as AN & NDem, but as AN & DemN/NDem. In fact the typical structure is DemNDem, with two co-occurring demonstrative words. Also, closer examination of Lahu shows it to be AN/NA, not AN. Dryer classifies Mangbetu as NA, not AN.

2. Cf. <a class="innerLink" href="browse.php?entry_id=57"><img src="../img/entry.gif" border="0">, <a class="innerLink" href="browse.php?entry_id=114"><img src="../img/entry.gif" border="0">.

3. Since the 1990s Hawkins has proposed alternative explanations of his universals (see e.g. Hawkins 1993: 234).