Modern Chinese Parts of Speech: Classification Theory

The essence of a part of speech is its expressional function and semantic type, which are not of distributional type. This book proposes that large categories such as substantive words, predicate words, and modification words are classes of words classified according to their expressional functions, while basic categories such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives are classes that combine semantic types with syntactical functions. It uses distributional compatibility and the correlation principle to analyze which distributional differences represent differences in parts of speech and which do not. The book uses four strategies to classify parts of speech, namely the homogeneity strategy, the homomorphical strategy, the priority homomorphical strategy, and the consolidation strategy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The classification of parts of speech in Chinese presents a significant challenge due to the language's lack of morphological distinctions. Through a comprehensive analysis of nearly 40,000 Chinese characters, this book proposes a novel perspective on the essence of a part of speech. It suggests that a part of speech is not solely characterized by its distributional properties but rather by its inherent expressional function and semantic type.

The classification of parts of speech is approached in this book by dividing them into two fundamental categories: large categories and basic categories. The large categories encompass substantive words, predicate words, and modification words, which are classified based on their expressional functions. On the other hand, the basic categories include nouns, verbs, and adjectives, which combine semantic types with syntactical functions.

To classify parts of speech effectively, the book emphasizes the importance of clustering grammatical functions that share the same classification value through the "reflection-representation" relationship. This relationship involves the reflection of expressional functions and semantic types as distribution, while distribution itself is represented as expressional function and semantic type. By analyzing the distributional compatibility and correlation principle, the book identifies which distributional differences correspond to differences in parts of speech and which do not.

Through this approach, grammatical functions with equal classification values are collected into one equivalent function cluster. This clustering enables a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the grammatical functions of Chinese words, facilitating their accurate classification.

Furthermore, the book addresses the issue of conversational words and nominalization, which are common in Chinese. It proposes strategies for dealing with these words based on their contextual and grammatical characteristics. By recognizing the unique nature of conversational words and nominalization, the book provides practical guidance for language learners and scholars.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the classification of parts of speech in Chinese. By proposing a holistic approach that considers expressional function, semantic type, and distributional compatibility, it provides a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese linguistics. Its practical insights and comprehensive treatment of conversational words and nominalization make it an essential resource for anyone interested in studying or teaching Chinese.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367661076