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Universal 544:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 544:

Original
If a numeral expression contains a complex constituent, then the numerical value of the complex constituent itself in isolation receives either simple lexical expression or is expressed by the same function and in the same phonological shape, except for possible automatic phonological alternations, stress shifts, or overt expressions of co-ordination. This principle will be called the principle of incorporation.
Standardized
IF a numeral expression contains a complex constituent, THEN the numerical value of the complex constituent itself in isolation receives either simple lexical expression or is expressed by the same function and in the same phonological shape, except for possible automatic phonological alternations, stress shifts, or overt expressions of co-ordination.
Keywords
numeral
Domain
word formation
Type
no genuine implication; rather: provided that
Status
achronic
Quality
absolute
Basis
56 languages mentioned in Greenberg 1978a
Source
Greenberg 1978a: 279 (#37)
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    A complex constituent contains at least two numerals, e.g. in French, where 72 is expressed as “soixante-douze” (60+12), 372 would be expressed in the same manner, as “trois-cents-soixante-douze” (3×100+60+12) and not as *“trois-cents-septante dix deux”.

    1. May 2020

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