Chapter 6. Measure constructions in Hungarian and the semantics of the -nyi suffix
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Brigitta R. Schvarcz
Abstract
This paper examines the distribution and meaning of the -nyi suffix. -nyi naturally attaches to container classifiers and induces a measure interpretation of the container noun. I show that -nyi is not restricted to the dimension of volume but applies generally to count nouns. -nyi combines with N to create a measure head, analogous to expressions such as kilo. I maintain that being a measure head, N-nyi combines with a numeral to form a complex phrasal modifier. I then examine the semantics of -nyi itself. I show that it has two interpretations: it induces a measure reading of the N pohár in két pohár-nyi bor, and it forces an approximative interpretation when suffixed to an explicit measure expression as in kiló-nyi.
Abstract
This paper examines the distribution and meaning of the -nyi suffix. -nyi naturally attaches to container classifiers and induces a measure interpretation of the container noun. I show that -nyi is not restricted to the dimension of volume but applies generally to count nouns. -nyi combines with N to create a measure head, analogous to expressions such as kilo. I maintain that being a measure head, N-nyi combines with a numeral to form a complex phrasal modifier. I then examine the semantics of -nyi itself. I show that it has two interpretations: it induces a measure reading of the N pohár in két pohár-nyi bor, and it forces an approximative interpretation when suffixed to an explicit measure expression as in kiló-nyi.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction vii
- Chapter 1. Internal-scope taking arguments in the information structure of deverbal nominals in Hungarian 1
- Chapter 2. Structural ambiguity and case assignment in Hungarian clausal and phrasal comparatives 35
- Chapter 3. Two positions for verbal modifiers 65
- Chapter 4. A representational account of vowel harmony in terms of variable elements and licensing 95
- Chapter 5. Co-patterns, subpatterns and conflicting generalizations in Hungarian vowel harmony 135
- Chapter 6. Measure constructions in Hungarian and the semantics of the -nyi suffix 157
- Chapter 7. Hungarian classifier constructions, plurality and the mass–count distinction 183
- Chapter 8. Focus and quantifier scope 209
- Chapter 9. *VV in Hungarian 239
- Index 253
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction vii
- Chapter 1. Internal-scope taking arguments in the information structure of deverbal nominals in Hungarian 1
- Chapter 2. Structural ambiguity and case assignment in Hungarian clausal and phrasal comparatives 35
- Chapter 3. Two positions for verbal modifiers 65
- Chapter 4. A representational account of vowel harmony in terms of variable elements and licensing 95
- Chapter 5. Co-patterns, subpatterns and conflicting generalizations in Hungarian vowel harmony 135
- Chapter 6. Measure constructions in Hungarian and the semantics of the -nyi suffix 157
- Chapter 7. Hungarian classifier constructions, plurality and the mass–count distinction 183
- Chapter 8. Focus and quantifier scope 209
- Chapter 9. *VV in Hungarian 239
- Index 253
