Universal 867:

Universal 867:

Original

In initial clusters, the existence of at least one sequence consisting of two voiced obstruents implies the existence of at least one combination consisting of two unvoiced obstruents.

Standardized

In initial clusters, IF there is at least one sequence consisting of two voiced obstruents, THEN there is at least one combination consisting of two unvoiced obstruents.

Keywords

consonant cluster, initial, voice, obstruent

Domain

phonology

Type

implication

Status

achronic

Quality

almost absolute

Basis

sample of 104 languages in Greenberg 1964

Source

Greenberg 1964 [Greenberg 1965: 22, Greenberg 1978e: 262, #26]

Counterexamples

Sgaw dialect of Karen (Sino-Tibetan) (Greenberg 1965: 22, 1978e: 262-263)