Classification of ComparativeTypology

One of the major differences between Structural and Comparative typology is that the latter operates with cross-level units of the languages while the former (Structural typology) utilizes mainly the level isolation or one level approach. In Comparative typology, the cross-level, cross-class units of expression are initially identified in each of compared languages separately. On the second stage of the typological operation the cross-language equivalents and cross-level correspondents are identified, isomorphic and allomorphic features are revealed.

The major principle of Comparative typology is binarity: thus initially two genetically and/or structurally different languages are compared as the representatives of their genetic /structural groups. Further, the number of compared languages can be increased but still with the observation of the binary principle.

Structural typology is …..

… the major branch of Comparative Typology and aims to identify structural language types. Structural typology has 4 branches: 1. language universals; 2. typological classification; 3. ethalon language; 4.typological theory. The ultimate goal of Structural typology is identifying universal features of languages

Language Universals are bound to the unification of language facts, identifying common/similar features specific to systems of all or separate language groups

There are many general universals concerning all languages of the world. They are: Wherever humans exist, language exists. There are no "primitive" languages - all languages are equally complex and equally capable of expressing any idea in the world. The vocabulary of any language can be expanded to include new words for new concepts etc.

Typological classification is … “opposed to genealogical classification and is bound to classifying languages according to their taxonomic/systemic features and defining structural types of languages” (K.Solntzev). Morphological or Typological classification deals with the classification of languages according to their structural features or types in language instead of the genealogical origin.