Universal #798
Legacy number: 798
| Number | 795 |
| Original | There is a very highly significant tendency for languages to have more voiceless obstruents than voiced ones. |
| Standardized | There are more voiceless obstruents than voiced ones. |
| Formula | X voiced obstruents ⇒ ≥X voiceless obstruents |
| Keywords | consonant, obstruent, voice |
| Domain | phonology |
| Type | implication |
| Status | achronic |
| Quality | statistical |
| Basis | 317 language sample from Nartey 1979 |
| Source | Nartey 1979: 37, cited also in Lass 1984: 155 |
Discussion
Notes
Cf. Nartey’s less restrictive claim (#799): If there is a voiced obstruent, then most likely its voiceless cognate is present as well.
Comment
Cf. Nartey's less restrictive claim (<a class="innerLink" href="browse.php?entry_id=799"><img src="../img/entry.gif" border="0">): If there is a voiced obstruent, then most likely its voiceless cognate is present as well.
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