This paper explores the cross-linguistic variation in the denotation of bare nominal arguments (determinerless noun phrases) across different languages. It proposes that languages differ in how they allow NPs to be used as arguments or predicates. Some languages, like Chinese, permit NPs to be argumental (names of kinds) without determiners, while others, like Romance languages, restrict NPs to being predicates unless a determiner is present. Languages like Germanic and Slavic allow both predicative and argumental NPs, blending features of both types. The hypothesis, known as the 'Nominal Mapping Parameter,' is examined through typological considerations and a detailed contrastive analysis of bare arguments in Germanic (English) vs. Romance (Italian). The paper also discusses the implications of this hypothesis for current theories of Universal Grammar and language acquisition, focusing on the syntax-semantics interface and the role of semantic variation.This paper explores the cross-linguistic variation in the denotation of bare nominal arguments (determinerless noun phrases) across different languages. It proposes that languages differ in how they allow NPs to be used as arguments or predicates. Some languages, like Chinese, permit NPs to be argumental (names of kinds) without determiners, while others, like Romance languages, restrict NPs to being predicates unless a determiner is present. Languages like Germanic and Slavic allow both predicative and argumental NPs, blending features of both types. The hypothesis, known as the 'Nominal Mapping Parameter,' is examined through typological considerations and a detailed contrastive analysis of bare arguments in Germanic (English) vs. Romance (Italian). The paper also discusses the implications of this hypothesis for current theories of Universal Grammar and language acquisition, focusing on the syntax-semantics interface and the role of semantic variation.