Category: Universals Archive

Universal 1724: Original Nominally used demonstratives never occur with the non-bound definite article. Standardized When a demonstrative is used nominally (forming an NP of its…

Universal 1740: Original There is no language with endoclitics, i.e., clitics inside words do not exist. Standardized There are no endoclitics, i.e., clitics inside words…

Universal 1757: Original SOV languages cannot borrow a set of prepositions. Standardized IF basic word order is SOV, THEN there are no prepositions owing to…

Universal 1773: Original If denasalization applies to /o/, then it also applies to /e/. Standardized IF denasalization applies to /o/, THEN it also applies to…

Universal 1789: ’VN ⇒ ^VN Original The development of distinctive nasalization is preferred first in stressed/tonic syllables. Standardized IF nasalization occurs in unstressed/atonic syllables, THEN…

Universal 1805: Original Standardized IF there is a voiced labial-velar stop, THEN there is a voiceless labiodental fricative. Keywords fricative, stop, labial-velar, labiodental, voice Domain…

Universal 1821: Original Standardized IF there is a labialized voiceless uvular ejective stop, THEN there is a labialized voiceless velar fricative. Keywords stop, fricative, labial,…

Universal 1837: Original Standardized IF there is a voiced palatal affricate, THEN there is also a voiceless palatal affricate. Keywords affricate, palatal, voice Domain phonology…

Universal 1853: Original The liquids tend to have a lateral quality while occurring in the neighborhood of (especially before) front vowels. Standardized When a vowel…

Universal 1869: Original Core items of the baby talk register tend to persist for long periods of time. Standardized Core items of the baby talk…