Universal #918

Legacy number: 918

 Number  915
 Original  Hierarchy of incorporability:
externally modifiable NP > backgrounded NP > demoted NP > nonreferential noun.

If a language allows incorporation of a semantic type at a certain point on the hierarchy, then it allows incorporation of all types to the right of it on the hierarchy.
 Standardized  IF incorporation of externally modifiable NP, THEN incorporation of backgrounded NP.
IF incorporation of backgrounded NP, THEN incorporation of demoted NP.
IF incorporation of demoted NP, THEN incorporation of nonreferential noun.
 Formula  externally modifiable NP > backgrounded NP > demoted NP > nonreferential noun
 Keywords  incorporation, noun
 Domain  morphology, syntax
 Type  implicational hierarchy
 Status  achronic
 Quality  absolute
 Basis  over 100 languages in Mithun 1984a
 Source  Mithun 1984a

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Discussion
Notes
Also cited in Croft 1995: 508.
Comment
Frans Plank · 3 Aug 2006
Also cited in Croft 1995: 508.