Universal 865:

Universal 865:

Original

In initial clusters the existence of at least one sequence consisting of a voiced liquid followed by a nasal implies the existence of at least one combination consisting of a nasal followed by a liquid.

Standardized

In initial clusters, IF there is at least one sequence consisting of a voiced liquid followed by a nasal, THEN there is at least one combination consisting of a nasal followed by a liquid.

Keywords

consonant cluster, initial, liquid, voice, nasal

Domain

phonology

Type

implication

Status

achronic

Quality

almost absolute

Basis

sample of 104 languages in Greenberg 1964

Source

Greenberg 1964 [Greenberg 1965: 21, Greenberg 1978e: 261, #24]

Counterexamples

Mitla Zapotec (Oto-Manguean) has /r~N/ without any nasal + liquid combination. (Greenberg 1965: 21, 1978e: 261)