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Universal 1359:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 1359:

Original
The maximum number of sporadic factors is two.
Standardized
In numeral systems, the maximum number of sporadic factors is two.
Keywords
numeral
Domain
word formation
Type
unconditional
Status
achronic
Quality
statistical
Basis
56 languages mentioned in Greenberg 1978a
Source
Greenberg 1978a: 271 (#24)
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Whenever three or more numbers are multiplied, it will always be found that all except one, the multiplier, form a complexly expressed serialized multiplicand, i.e. a base (cf. #1360). For example, in Huastec (Mayan) 200, expressed as 2x5x20, 5×20, is a complex expression for 100 which is a base, as can be seen from 300 which is 3x5x20, etc. This indicates a grouping and hierarchization [(2x) (5×20)]. Note also #1358.

    1. May 2020

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