Abstract
This chapter discusses word order variation across languages. Languages appear to vary considerably with regard to word order. Taking the position of the verb relative to subject and object, three common orders are found: SOV, SVO, and VSO, respectively. The orders VOS and OVS are also found, though in relatively few languages. Large numbers of languages share a relatively small set of word order co-occurrences and the great majority of possible word order types have no exemplifying languages at all. However, the modifier - modified generalization, in all its forms, does not succeed in distinguishing between those word order co-occurrences that are never found and those that are. The chapter discusses the relatively few word order co-occurrences that languages select from among the mathematical possibilities and presents the reasons for these languages selecting these rather than other possible co-occurrences. Joseph Greenberg's implicational statements defining co-occurring word orders have been referred as universals.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
