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Universal 2017:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 2017:

Original
All languages have words comparable, though not necessarily identical in meaning, with cry and smile; that is words referring to bodily expression of good and bad feelings.
Standardized
There are words comparable, though not necessarily identical in meaning, with cry/weep and smile/laugh; that is words referring to bodily expression of good and bad feelings.
Keywords
emotion, sensation, body
Domain
lexicon
Type
unconditional
Status
achronic
Quality
absolute
Basis
“working hypothesis … on evidence gleaned from both cross-linguistic and cross-cultural studies”
Source
Wierzbicka 1999: 275, 282
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    Cf. this non-linguistic universal:In all cultures people appear to link some facial gestures with either good or bad feelings, and in particular, they link the raised corners of the mouth with good feelings whereas turned down corners of the mouth or a wrinkled nose appear to be linked with bad feelings. (pp275-276)

    1. May 2020

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