Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: The present paper investigates the relationship between form (morpho-syntax) and function (semantic interpretation) as involved in the expression of countability in the Chinese whpronoun system.We focus on three wh-pronouns: duo-shao 'much-little', duo-shao-ge 'much-little-Classifier', and ji-ge 'how many-Classifier'.Based on the examination of the interpretation and distribution of these wh-phrases in three distinct linguistic contexts (questions, bare conditionals, and negative statements), we generalize that while duo-shao functions as an indeterminate determiner, duo-shao-ge and ji-ge function as two count determiners.This generalization invites the conclusion that the morpho-syntax of these whphrases, particularly, the presence/absence of a classifier, determines and shapes their semantic interpretation in countability.From a more general perspective, the present study suggests that a linguistic form determines its own linguistic functions.
Source: Language and Semiotic Studies
Author: Aijun Huang
Institution: Soochow University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4366707960