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Authoritative: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lingua.2006.03.002   (Publisher's PDF... likely be available here.)

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Abstract

A strong constraint on the arithmetical combinations allowed in compound numerals, called the Packing Strategy, applies very widely to numeral systems across the world. A previous attempt to explain the existence of the strong universal constraint, in terms of a gradual socio-historical process of standardization, will not scale up to higher-valued numerals. It is proposed that the real explanation for the Packing Strategy is that it reflects two natural principles applied in the practical task of counting objects. These two principles, `Go as far as you can with the resources you have', and `Minimize the number of entities you are dealing with', are not specific to the counting task, but are of more general application to practical tasks.

Keywords: Numerals; Packing Strategy; Universals; Counting; Performance; Grammar

@article{hurford06packingStrategy,
  author={J. Hurford},
  title={A performed practice explains a linguistic universal: Counting gives the Packing Strategy},
  journal={Lingua},
  year={2007},
  month={May},
  volume={117},
  number={5},
  pages={773-783},
  doi={10.1016/j.lingua.2006.03.002},
  url={http://www.isrl.uiuc.edu/~amag/langev/paper/hurford06packingStrategy.html},
  keywords={Numerals; Packing Strategy; Universals; Counting; Performance; Grammar}
}

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