Category: Universals Archive

Universal 1361: Original If the multiplier follows the multiplicand in a particular numeral, it follows in all higher numerals which are expressed by multiplication. Where…

Universal 1377: verb (in FGD of semantic specificity n) ⇒ verb (in FGD of semantic specificity n-1) Original Bridging Verb Hierarchy: If a bridging verb…

Universal 1393: future participle ⇒ past participle & present participle Original A future participle implies both past and present participles but neither of the two…

Universal 1409: Original In interjections one or more marginal phonemes occur with a percentage which is characteristic only for principle phonemes. Standardized In interjections one…

Universal 1425: Original If a language has any passives it has ones characterized as basic; moreover, it may have only basic passives. Standardized IF there…

Universal 1441: Original In an overwhelming majority of languages, there is a special form to denote the metaperson ‘speaker’. Standardized In an overwhelming majority of…

Universal 1457: Original In an overwhelming majority of languages, if some form denotes the metaperson ‘non-participant’ in the non-singular, then it cannot be used to…

Universal 1473: Original In an overwhelming majority of languages, if some form denotes the metaperson ‘speaker + hearer(s) + non-participant(s)’, then it denotes also the…

Universal 1489: Original Incorporation takes place with the verbs denoting permanent and general activity (also typical or characteristic activity) whereas “accidental” or indifferent activities take…

Universal 1505: Original The endpoint polysemy prediction:The use of a single lexeme to denote either static location in some configuration or motion into that configuration…