The typology of negation

Abstract

This chapter discusses a number of central phenomena in the typology of negation, build­ing on state-of-the-art typological research. The focus lies on standard negation, prohibi­tive negation, existential negation, and the negation of indefinites. Cross-linguistic varia­tion is central in the discussion, and for most phenomena the question is addressed as to what extent a certain pattern is frequent or rare. As far as it is possible, observed pat­terns are provided with explanations, which are often diachronic. Thus the chapter dis­cusses the Jespersen and Negative Existential Cycles and ventures a hypothesis on the existence of an ‘Ascriptive negation cycle’. For a number of phenomena it also discusses areality.