Explanation
Linguistic typology compares languages by structural properties and investigates their distribution and possible relationships. It may ask how arguments are marked or word order is organised. Such comparisons require explicit cross-linguistically usable criteria; identical grammatical labels do not guarantee comparability. Typological similarity entails neither common ancestry nor an equivalent stage of cultural development. A language also need not belong to one single type in every domain. Sampling, data quality and genealogical or regional dependencies affect which generalisations a comparison supports.
Movement of thought
1. Define the comparison question. 2. Operationalise the criteria. 3. Select languages and data. 4. Examine distributions. 5. Check dependencies and exceptions.
Scientific use case
Typological databases support reproducible comparisons of explicitly defined features.
Example
A comparison records whether the sole argument of an intransitive verb is marked like the agent or patient argument of a transitive verb.
Counterexample
Two languages with similar word order need not be closely related.
Distinction
Distinguish typology from genealogical classification, cultural ranking and rigid whole-language types.
Effect on thought and perception
Typology connects linguistic diversity with qualified generalisations.
Resonance
Similar solutions can emerge along different routes.
Provenance
Parallel corpus 98f0950771ae4662f291d2f15f5c51b6797f3c20ba458a68615cdb177002ea18; case-bounded source review accepted; human specialist review not claimed.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Linguistic typology“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G05-014. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G05-014The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.