Classifier structures in Mandarin Chinese

Více o knize

This monograph explores fundamental syntactic issues of classifier constructions through an in-depth examination of Mandarin Chinese. It reveals that the count-mass distinction is not binary but involves two distinct features: Numerability, which allows a noun to directly combine with a numeral, and Delimitability, which enables a noun to be modified by delimitive modifiers like size or shape. In Chinese, all nouns are categorized as non-count, yet a mass/non-mass contrast exists, with mass nouns paired with individuating classifiers and non-mass nouns with individual classifiers. Some languages mirror Chinese's individuating classifiers, others reflect individual classifiers, while some lack both. The text also discusses how unit plurality can be indicated through reduplicative classifiers. Regarding numeral expressions, an individual, individuating, or kind classifier combines with the noun first, followed by the numeral, whereas a partitive or collective classifier combines with the numeral before the noun. Additionally, the book delineates the syntactic positions of various classifier uses, identifying classifiers as functional heads linked to numerals, generic or existential quantifiers, singular-plural contrasts, or positions that allow delimitive modifiers in compounds.