Chapter 6. Contact-induced reduction, loss, and emergence of numeral classifiers
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Erika Sandman
Abstract
This paper examines contact-induced change in numeral classifier systems based on two case studies of East Asian languages. Study 1 investigates contact-induced loss and emergence of numeral classifiers in different languages of the Amdo Sprachbund, where Sinitic languages are engaged in a long-term history of contact with Mongolic, Turkic and Tibetic languages. Study 2 focuses on loss of numeral classifiers as a result of language attrition, as testified by the isolate language Nivkh under the pressure of the dominant language Russian. The data discussed in the paper are based on fieldwork as well as on secondary sources. We discuss the patterns of language change that foster the reduction, loss and emergence of numeral classifiers and the different socio-historical scenarios where these developments occur. A general discussion and a tentative comparison with contact-induced change in the domain of grammatical gender, another type of nominal classification strategy, conclude the paper.
Abstract
This paper examines contact-induced change in numeral classifier systems based on two case studies of East Asian languages. Study 1 investigates contact-induced loss and emergence of numeral classifiers in different languages of the Amdo Sprachbund, where Sinitic languages are engaged in a long-term history of contact with Mongolic, Turkic and Tibetic languages. Study 2 focuses on loss of numeral classifiers as a result of language attrition, as testified by the isolate language Nivkh under the pressure of the dominant language Russian. The data discussed in the paper are based on fieldwork as well as on secondary sources. We discuss the patterns of language change that foster the reduction, loss and emergence of numeral classifiers and the different socio-historical scenarios where these developments occur. A general discussion and a tentative comparison with contact-induced change in the domain of grammatical gender, another type of nominal classification strategy, conclude the paper.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- List of abbreviations ix
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
-
Part 1. Functions of classifiers
- Chapter 2. The system of classifiers in Kilivila 10
- Chapter 3. Nominal classification in Assamese 30
-
Part 2. Diachrony of nominal classification systems
- Chapter 4. Gender marking in Shumcho 58
- Chapter 5. A single origin of numeral classifiers in Asia and the Pacific 113
- Chapter 6. Contact-induced reduction, loss, and emergence of numeral classifiers 161
- Chapter 7. Gender, classifiers, and diachrony in Khasian 200
- Chapter 8. Concluding discussion 226
- Index of subjects and terms 241
- Index of biographical names 245
- Index of languages, dialects and language families 249
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- List of abbreviations ix
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
-
Part 1. Functions of classifiers
- Chapter 2. The system of classifiers in Kilivila 10
- Chapter 3. Nominal classification in Assamese 30
-
Part 2. Diachrony of nominal classification systems
- Chapter 4. Gender marking in Shumcho 58
- Chapter 5. A single origin of numeral classifiers in Asia and the Pacific 113
- Chapter 6. Contact-induced reduction, loss, and emergence of numeral classifiers 161
- Chapter 7. Gender, classifiers, and diachrony in Khasian 200
- Chapter 8. Concluding discussion 226
- Index of subjects and terms 241
- Index of biographical names 245
- Index of languages, dialects and language families 249
