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Universal 731:

Posted in Universals Archive

Universal 731:

Original
The Auxiliary Universal:
If a language allows independent, non-supported, encoding of predicates, this encoding will always comprise event predicates.
Standardized
IF predicates are encoded independently, i.e., without the support of a copula, substantive verb, or locative verb, THEN this encoding will always comprise event predicates.
Keywords
copula, zero, event predicate
Domain
inflection, syntax, semantics
Type
no genuine implication; rather: provided that
Status
achronic
Quality
absolute
Basis
sample of 410 languages in Stassen 1997
Source
Stassen 1997: 2.3
Counterexamples

One Comment

  1. FP
    FP

    1. “… in traditional terms, the item supporting predicative adjectives and nominals is usually referred to as copula, whereas the supporting item of predicative adverbials is usually indicated by the term ‘substantive verb’ or ‘locative verb’.” (Stassen 1997) 2. rephrased as an implication:IF such encoding with predicates other than those denoting events, THEN also with event predicates.

    1. May 2020

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