1. Introduction
Determiner and quantifier – two technical terms for two distinct word classes, or does the latter denote a subset of the former? Paying attention to the linguistic discourse does not solve these questions at once. There are numerous differing and even contradictory notions of classification possibilities concerning the entities in question. The outcome of multiple approaches is that quantifiers denote a sort of subtype of the syntactic category determiner (Crystal 1995:222, Huddleston et al. 2002:356ff, Longbardi 2001:581f, Stowell 1991:47f, Quirk et al. 1972:138f). In addition, the concept was put forward that determiner and quantifier act as functional categories within the class of pronouns (Long 1961:46ff, Radford 2004:45). Yet another opinion is held by Lyons (1999:298ff), who suggests that determiner phrases do not represent a word class, but the grammatical category of definiteness.
This brief summary of possible classifications only foreshadows the numerous similarities, but at the same time the differences, of the variety to be classified. Nevertheless, the purpose of this term paper is to name and describe these differences. In order to do so, a feature-based-analysis with respect to syntactic and semantic properties of the relevant members, bearing the label determiners and quantifiers will be presented. On the basis of this outcome, a conclusion will be drawn. However, the overall expectation to classify one, or possibly two, unitary categories cannot possibly be met within the framework of this work.
Before turning to the core of this term paper, some abbreviated remarks have to be made in order to set a frame for the subsequent paper.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Preconditions
- 3. Determiners
- 3.1 General Remarks
- 3.2 Number
- 3.3 Definiteness - Indefiniteness
- 3.4 Quantification
- 3.5 Pronouns as Determiners
- 4. Quantifiers
- 4.1 Q as a category?!
- 4.2 Features of Q
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to analyze and describe the differences between determiners and quantifiers, two linguistic terms with often overlapping definitions and classifications. The analysis will employ a feature-based approach, examining the syntactic and semantic properties of these elements. The paper will not attempt to definitively classify these terms as single, unified categories.
- The differing classifications and definitions of determiners and quantifiers in linguistic discourse.
- A feature-based analysis of the syntactic and semantic properties of determiners and quantifiers.
- Comparison of the DP-analysis (Abney 1987) with alternative proposals regarding the syntactic structure of noun phrases.
- Examination of the relative importance of determiners and nouns within noun phrases.
- Discussion of cases where determiners appear to be implicitly present or absent.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by outlining the central problem: the ambiguity and often contradictory classifications of determiners and quantifiers in linguistic literature. It highlights the various perspectives on the relationship between these two grammatical categories, ranging from quantifiers being a subset of determiners to both functioning as functional categories within pronouns. The chapter concludes by stating the paper's aim to identify and describe the differences between determiners and quantifiers using a feature-based analysis focused on syntactic and semantic properties.
2. Preconditions: This chapter lays the groundwork for the analysis by establishing the theoretical framework. It primarily focuses on Abney's DP-analysis (1987), arguing that the determiner, rather than the noun, is the syntactic head of a Determiner Phrase (DP). This approach is contrasted with traditional analyses, and the chapter details the advantages of the DP-analysis in accommodating the variety of pre-nominal components. Specific examples are provided to illustrate the proposed structure and its superiority in describing complex noun phrases like "She bought the two books by McCourt." The chapter also introduces Tappe's (2007) argument for the primacy of the determiner within the DP, illustrated through examples showing how the determiner contributes more significantly to the meaning and specificity of the noun phrase than the noun itself. This sets up a theoretical foundation for the subsequent analysis of determiners and quantifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview - Determiners and Quantifiers
What is the main objective of this paper?
The paper aims to analyze and describe the differences between determiners and quantifiers, two linguistic terms with often overlapping definitions and classifications. It uses a feature-based approach, examining their syntactic and semantic properties, without aiming for definitive, unified categorization.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
Key themes include the differing classifications and definitions of determiners and quantifiers in linguistic literature; a feature-based analysis of their syntactic and semantic properties; a comparison of the DP-analysis (Abney 1987) with alternative proposals for noun phrase structure; examination of the relative importance of determiners and nouns within noun phrases; and a discussion of cases where determiners seem implicitly present or absent.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into five chapters: an introduction outlining the central problem of ambiguous classifications; a chapter establishing the theoretical framework (primarily Abney's DP-analysis); a chapter on determiners, covering general remarks, number, definiteness/indefiniteness, quantification, and pronouns as determiners; a chapter on quantifiers, including their categorization and features; and a concluding chapter.
What is Abney's DP-analysis and how is it relevant to this paper?
Abney's DP-analysis (1987) proposes that the determiner, not the noun, is the syntactic head of a Determiner Phrase (DP). This paper uses this analysis as a foundational theoretical framework, contrasting it with traditional analyses and highlighting its advantages in handling complex noun phrases. The paper explores how the DP-analysis helps explain the relationship between determiners and nouns and the contribution of each to the meaning of a noun phrase.
How does the paper address the ambiguity surrounding determiners and quantifiers?
The paper tackles the ambiguity by employing a feature-based analysis focusing on the syntactic and semantic properties of determiners and quantifiers. It examines various perspectives on their relationship (e.g., quantifiers as a subset of determiners, or both as functional categories within pronouns) and aims to identify and describe their differences through detailed analysis of their features and behavior in different syntactic contexts.
What are the key differences between determiners and quantifiers discussed in the paper?
While the precise distinctions are explored throughout the paper's chapters on determiners and quantifiers, the key lies in their syntactic and semantic functions and the way they contribute to the meaning of noun phrases. The paper investigates these differences through careful examination of their respective features and the differing roles they play in determining the reference of noun phrases.
What are some examples used to illustrate the concepts discussed?
The paper provides examples like "She bought the two books by McCourt" to illustrate the DP-analysis and demonstrate the superiority of this approach in describing complex noun phrases. Further examples showcasing the interaction between determiners and nouns, and highlighting the semantic contribution of each element, are used throughout the analysis to support the arguments presented.
What is the significance of the chapter on preconditions?
The chapter on preconditions lays the groundwork for the analysis by establishing the theoretical framework, primarily focusing on Abney's DP-analysis (1987) and contrasting it with traditional analyses. This sets up the theoretical foundation needed for the subsequent analysis of determiners and quantifiers in the following chapters. It also includes a discussion of Tappe's (2007) argument for the primacy of the determiner within the DP.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Bianca Müller (Autor:in), 2008, Determiners and Quantifiers - Differences, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/149347
