Modifiers and Sentence Structure Principles

The video tutorial explores the concept of word order in languages, focusing on primary and secondary word orders. It discusses principles like the team first principle, animated first principle, and verb-object bonding that influence word order. The tutorial also covers common word orders such as SOV and SVO, and their prevalence in human languages. Additionally, it delves into modifiers, head directionality, and the evolution of language word orders over time. The video concludes with acknowledgments to supporters.

What are the major constituents of a basic sentence in terms of word order?

• Object, Subject, Verb

• Verb, Subject, Object

• Object, Verb, Subject

• Subject, Verb, Object

Which principle suggests that thematic information is placed closer to the start of a sentence?

• Verb-Object Bonding

• Team First Principle

• Animated First Principle

• Subject-Verb Agreement

Why are SOV and SVO languages the most common?

• They are the most flexible in terms of word order.

• They are the oldest language structures.

• They meet all three principles: team first, animated first, and verb-object bonding.

• They are the easiest to learn.

What should you consider when creating a free word order language?

• Choosing a default order

• Avoiding any order

• Using only one word order

• Ignoring common language structures

What is the head of a phrase?

• The last word in the phrase

• The most complex word in the phrase

• The main noun or verb the phrase is about

• The first word in the phrase

According to Hawkins' universals, what must follow if a language has prepositions?

• Adjectives must follow nouns

• Adjectives must precede nouns

• Nouns must precede adjectives

• Nouns must follow adjectives

What does Greenberg's universal state about the order of modifiers?

• Modifiers must always follow the noun

• Modifiers can be placed anywhere

• Modifiers follow the noun in a random order

• Modifiers precede the noun in a specific order

What is a simple way to simulate word order change over time?

• Change all elements at once

• Use random changes without rules

• Evolve the language by changing one element at a time

• Ignore historical language changes