If a language has two modifier constructions that differ in linear order and in linguistic distance, the construction with a prenominal modifier will display the closer conceptual distance.
Standardized
If a language has two modifier constructions that differ in linear order and in linguistic distance, the construction with a prenominal modifier will display the closer conceptual distance.
In Lahu (Tibeto-Burman) and Ute (Uto-Aztecan), a prenomial demonstrative indicates deixis, while a postposed demonstrative indicates definiteness. This hypotheis is also violated by Maltese (Semitic, Afro-Asiatic), Modern Cornish (Celtic, IE), Albanian (Albanian, IE), and Capanawa (???) (Croft & Deligianni 2001).In sum, of 32 cases of a difference in conceptual distance between prenominal modifiers and postnominal modifiers, 26 cases (81%) supported the hypothesis and 6 cases (19 %) disconfirmed it.
Following Haiman (1983, 1985), syntactic integration can be measured in terms of LINGUISTIC DISTANCE. The linguistic distance between two elements in a construction, such as a modifier and a noun in an noun phrase, is determined by whether or not there is a third morpheme linking the two elements in the construction, and the type boundary between the elements (morpheme boundary or word boundary). Semantic integration can be measured in terms of CONCEPTUAL DISTANCE. Haiman defines conceptual distance as follows (1985: 106-107):Two ideas are conceptually close to the extent that theya. share semantic features, properties or parts; b. affect each other; c. are factually inseparable; d. are perceives as a unit, whether factually inseparable or not.
Following Haiman (1983, 1985), syntactic integration can be measured in terms of LINGUISTIC DISTANCE. The linguistic distance between two elements in a construction, such as a modifier and a noun in an noun phrase, is determined by whether or not there is a third morpheme linking the two elements in the construction, and the type boundary between the elements (morpheme boundary or word boundary). Semantic integration can be measured in terms of CONCEPTUAL DISTANCE. Haiman defines conceptual distance as follows (1985: 106-107):Two ideas are conceptually close to the extent that theya. share semantic features, properties or parts; b. affect each other; c. are factually inseparable; d. are perceives as a unit, whether factually inseparable or not.