Varieties of Alternatives

Focus Particles and wh-Expressions in Mandarin

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Foreign Languages, Chinese, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Varieties of Alternatives by Mingming Liu, Springer Singapore
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mingming Liu ISBN: 9789811062087
Publisher: Springer Singapore Publication: October 17, 2017
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Mingming Liu
ISBN: 9789811062087
Publisher: Springer Singapore
Publication: October 17, 2017
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

This book concerns two focus particles (jiu, dou) and wh-expressions (shenme = ‘what’, na geren = ‘which person’) in Mandarin Chinese. These items are systematically ‘ambiguous’ and have played important roles in various aspects of Mandarin grammar. An idea based on alternatives and varieties of alternatives in particular – following Chierchia’s 2013 analysis of the polarity system – is pursued to account for the systematic ambiguities. The unambiguous semantics of jiu, dou and wh-expressions are maintained and ‘ambiguity’ explained through varieties of alternatives interacting with other independently motivated aspects of the structure they occur in. By examining these aspects in detail, the book will help readers gain a better understanding of a broad range of phenomena that involve these items – including exhaustivity, distributivity, questions and conditionals.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book concerns two focus particles (jiu, dou) and wh-expressions (shenme = ‘what’, na geren = ‘which person’) in Mandarin Chinese. These items are systematically ‘ambiguous’ and have played important roles in various aspects of Mandarin grammar. An idea based on alternatives and varieties of alternatives in particular – following Chierchia’s 2013 analysis of the polarity system – is pursued to account for the systematic ambiguities. The unambiguous semantics of jiu, dou and wh-expressions are maintained and ‘ambiguity’ explained through varieties of alternatives interacting with other independently motivated aspects of the structure they occur in. By examining these aspects in detail, the book will help readers gain a better understanding of a broad range of phenomena that involve these items – including exhaustivity, distributivity, questions and conditionals.

More books from Springer Singapore

Cover of the book Patterns and Development in the English Clause System by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing and Communication Systems by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Principles of Public Finance by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Case Studies of Building Pathology in Cultural Heritage by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Reconceptualising Learning in the Digital Age by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Geo-Architecture and Landscape in China’s Geographic and Historic Context by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Mining of Microbial Wealth and MetaGenomics by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Computational Electromagnetics—Retrospective and Outlook by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Enhanced Recovery after Surgery by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Proceedings of the 20th International Symposium on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Business and Management Practices in South Asia by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Advances in Internal Combustion Engine Research by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Financing without Bank Loans by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Risk Analysis and Management: Engineering Resilience by Mingming Liu
Cover of the book Applications of Cognitive Computing Systems and IBM Watson by Mingming Liu
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy