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Universal 1990:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 1990:

Original
In terms of the above tree model, we may say that gender systems have their genesis in the left branching of the universe in the process of naming [ i.e., further differentiate +Animate]; languages which are right-branching with [-Animate] as the primary basis of classification possess classifier systems rather than gender …
Standardized
IF there is a gender system, THEN the domain of animate nouns is further differentiated;
IF there is a system of noun classification, THEN the domain of inanimate nouns is further differentiated.
Keywords
gender, noun class, animacy
Domain
inflection, syntax, semantics
Type
implication
Status
achronic
Quality
absolute?
Basis
impressionistic
Source
Krishnamurti 1975/2001: 133-134
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Uncharitably interpreted, these are tautologies: definitions of the terms ‘gender’ and ‘class’, in terms of the semantics of the respective distinctions. Clearly, however, Krishnamurti believes that there are further differences setting apart gender from class. These are not elaborated on, however.

    1. May 2020

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