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 Research Focus
The primary objective of this work is to investigate the linguistic classification of determiners and quantifiers, specifically examining whether they constitute distinct functional categories or if one serves as a subset of the other. The study employs a feature-based analysis within the framework of DP-analysis to evaluate their syntactic and semantic properties.
- Comparison of determiners and quantifiers as word classes
- Application of the DP-analysis framework (Abney tradition)
- Feature-based analysis of syntactic and semantic properties
- Investigation into DP-internal agreement
- Differentiation of numerals within the quantifier category
Excerpt from the Book
3. Determiners
The category of determiners in the English language includes in the first place the articles the, a and an, the “existential determinatives” some and any (Huddleston et al. 2002:356) as well as the “negative determinative” (ibid.) no. The element Ø D has also to be included within the class of determiners. Further elements are the “demonstrative determinatives” (ibid.) this, that and their plural counterparts these and those. The class D also contains some pronouns which will be looked at in more detail in section 3.5.
While paying close attention to the objects of investigation and their syntactic and semantic properties, the most apparent linguistic fact is that they belong to a grammatical word class. Grammatical classes are usually closed, that is, they rarely adopt new members. Mutually exclusiveness is another characteristic of these modifiers, which can easily be demonstrated by the ungrammaticality of examples like:
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the problem of classifying determiners and quantifiers and introduces the intent to use a feature-based analysis.
2. Preconditions: Establishes the DP-analysis framework by Abney as the theoretical basis for the arguments presented.
3. Determiners: Defines the class of determiners and examines syntactic features like number, definiteness, and quantification.
3.1 General Remarks: Discusses the grammatical status of determiners as a closed class and their mutual exclusiveness.
3.2 Number: Analyzes how determiners dictate the number property of nouns, distinguishing between singular, plural, and mass nouns.
3.3 Definiteness – Indefiniteness: Explores the referential status of DPs and the role of definiteness in syntactic representation.
3.4 Quantification: Investigates the feature [quant] and describes its interaction with other features via co-occurrence restrictions.
3.5 Pronouns as Determiners: Demonstrates that pronouns form a subset of the category D by analyzing their syntactic behavior and features.
4. Quantifiers: Explores the set of quantifiers and tests the hypothesis of their function through feature-based comparison.
4.1 Q as a category?!: Argues for the status of Q as an independent syntactic category by testing alternatives like adjectives or nouns.
4.2 Features of Q: Juxtaposes quantifiers with determiners to identify the specific feature-based differences between the two classes.
5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that D and Q are two distinct functional categories sharing certain features.
Keywords
Determiners, Quantifiers, DP-analysis, Linguistics, Syntax, Feature-based analysis, Definiteness, Quantification, Grammar, Word classes, Pronouns, Numerals, DP-internal agreement, Semantics, Functional categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the relationship between determiners and quantifiers to determine if they are distinct grammatical word classes or if one is a subset of the other.
What are the primary themes covered in this work?
Central themes include syntactic categorization, DP-analysis (as proposed by Abney), feature-based analysis of modifiers, and the specific licensing conditions for these elements within a noun phrase.
What is the main research question?
The research seeks to evaluate whether the syntactic and semantic differences between determiners and quantifiers justify treating them as two separate classes.
Which methodology is used to conduct this analysis?
The author utilizes a feature-based analysis, identifying and contrasting features such as [quant], [±plu], [±count], and [±def] to evaluate the categorization of linguistic elements.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The body covers the definition of determiners, the role of DP-internal agreement, the treatment of pronouns as determiners, and the syntactic arguments for treating quantifiers as an independent category.
Which keywords characterize this paper best?
Key terms include DP-analysis, determiners, quantifiers, syntax, functional categories, and feature-based analysis.
How does the author treat the role of empty categories (Ø D)?
The author includes empty Ds within the class of determiners and argues that they must adhere to the same licensing and agreement conditions as phonologically realized determiners.
Why are personal pronouns treated as a subtype of determiners in this study?
Drawing on the DP-analysis, the author argues that pronouns exhibit similar grammatical features and behaviors to determiners, thus placing them within the same lexical category D.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding numerals?
The author concludes that cardinals and ordinals form infinite subsets within the category Q, with specific feature representations distinguishing them.
- Quote paper
- Bianca Müller (Author), 2008, Determiners and Quantifiers - Differences, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/149347
