The Changing Languages of Guangxi, Southern China: A Contact-Induced Grammaticalization Approach

This book explores how grammaticalization and language contact influenced the polyfunctionality of "finish" morphemes in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Southern China, highlighting five unique areal features shared by many of its languages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

This book delves into the intricate interplay between internal grammaticalization processes and external language contact to explore the remarkable polyfunctionality of specific "finish" morphemes in the languages of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, situated in Southern China. Through a comprehensive case study of the evolution of "finish" morphemes in Yue and Zhuang Tai-Kadai, the author sheds light on the mechanisms that shaped these morphemes and their multifunctional roles.

Recognizing the Central Southern Guangxi Region as a micro-linguistic area, the author further introduces five distinctive areal features that are shared by numerous languages within this region. These features contribute to the unique linguistic landscape of Guangxi and highlight the complex interplay between internal grammaticalization processes and external influences.

The book begins by providing a historical overview of the evolution of "finish" morphemes in Yue and Zhuang Tai-Kadai, highlighting the processes of grammaticalization and language contact that played a crucial role in their development. The author then delves into the specific "finish" morphemes found in the languages of Guangxi, examining their multifunctional roles and the ways in which they contribute to the grammatical structure and expressive capabilities of the languages.

One of the key findings of the book is that the polyfunctionality of "finish" morphemes is not solely a result of internal grammaticalization processes but also influenced by language contact. The author argues that the languages of Guangxi have undergone significant contact with other languages, particularly with Chinese, which has had a profound impact on their grammatical structures and vocabulary. Through language contact, the "finish" morphemes have acquired new meanings and functions, expanding their grammatical roles and facilitating communication in various contexts.

Furthermore, the book explores the cultural and social factors that have contributed to the preservation and development of the "finish" morphemes in Guangxi. The region is known for its diverse ethnic groups and rich cultural heritage, which have influenced the linguistic evolution of its languages. The "finish" morphemes have been retained and adapted by different ethnic groups, reflecting their unique cultural perspectives and communication needs.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of linguistics by exploring the polyfunctionality of "finish" morphemes in the languages of Guangxi. Through a comprehensive analysis of internal grammaticalization processes and external language contact, the author provides insights into the complex mechanisms that shape language evolution and the ways in which cultural and social factors contribute to language diversity. The book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and language enthusiasts alike, as it sheds light on the rich linguistic heritage of Southern China and the dynamic nature of language change.

Weight: 549g
Dimension: 237 x 157 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793630094