Nominal and locational predication in base form
This parameter considers whether a language uses distinct strategies for the grammatical coding of nominal and locational predicates.1 The two types of stative sentences2 should be compared in base form: (a) indicative mood, affirmative, (b) present tense and/or the least marked aspect, and (c) third-person singular.3 Languages in which the two structures are coded the same way are known as share languages, while those that use distinct structures are called split languages.
Types:
ShareNomLoc: Nominal and locational predicates are coded the same way.
SplitNomLoc: Nominal and locational predicates are coded differently.
+Cmnt: Although the language displays the features of some other value, additional information is needed to clarify its type.4
When a language displays more than one type in base form, two values can be listed. If one type is dominant, a slash (/) can separate the two values, with the dominant value appearing first; if neither is dominant, they are listed with an ampersand (&) separating the two. If a language displays different types in non-base form, the value +Cmnt should be added to the primary value and detailed in the commentary.5
1: For example, My brother is a solider is a nominal predicate, while My brother is in the house is a locational predicate.
2: The stative criterion consists of the following: the sentence merely expresses predication, either concerning the present or in general. From a typological perspective, copulative verbs with any additional meaning (such as progressivity, an idea of change or the lack of it) are not regarded as copular, since they are also attested in languages lacking a base form for the copula.
3: Non-base forms are characterized in parametres Use of copula with nominal predicate and Use of copula with adverbial predicate.
4: This parameter value can only be used alongside (following) another value and needs specifying in commentary.
5: The following circumstances may also require the use of +Cmnt: (1) the type associated with base form may only apply to a limited set of possible copulas; (2) although certain copulas used with locational predicates can also be used with nominal predicates, other ones are more characteristic of nominal predication. If the value +Cmnt applies, the details must be specified in the commentary.