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Universal 1906:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 1906:

Original
If a language keeps comitative and instrumental formally distinct and if one of the two forms part of the mode of expression of predicative possession, then there is a 3:1 probability that it is the comitative that belongs to this pattern.
Standardized
When comitative and instrumental are kept formally distinct and if one of the two forms part of the mode of expression of predicative possession, there is a 3:1 probability that it is the comitative that belongs to this pattern.
Keywords
case, comitative, instrumental, predicative possession
Domain
inflection, sysntax
Type
no genuine implication; rather: provided that
Status
achronic
Quality
statistical
Basis
65 European languages
Source
Stolz 2001: 330
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    E. g. Welsh (Celtic): A chan nad oedd mecanic na theithwyr gyda mi […][and since NEG be:PRET:3SG mechanic NEG passenger WITH 1SG]’And since I HAD neither a mechanic nor a passenger (WITH me) …’Here the original function of the preposition GYDA is the comitative, used as a part of the expression of predicative possession. (Cf. Stolz 2001: 343)2. Cf. ##1912-1914.

    1. May 2020

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