In this paper, we will present an analysis of the phenomenon of the ellipsis of head noun in attributive structure, known as elliptical noun phrase (NP) in Chinese, on a semantic and syntactic level. Simply speaking, elliptical NPs in Chinese are expressions which have the distribution of NP but lack an overt noun and are made up of one or several modifiers, such as pronouns, demonstratives, adjectives, numerals and classifiers. This type of construction is found in many languages.
We can observe that the semantic relations between the attributive and the head noun vary from one to another. In Part 1, we will introduce the attributive structure in Chinese and present a description of the semantic relations between attributive and head noun.
The elliptical element in NPs in Chinese is always placed after “de”. Therefore, the function of de plays an extremely important role in the ellipsis phenomenon in Chinese NPs. There are some controversial discussions on the function of de: ZHU Dexi believes that the nature of the construction of ‘X de’, according to the syntactic function, can be analyzed as adverbial phrase, adjective phrase and nominal phrase. Therefore de in this construction can be accordingly regarded as de1, an adjunct to adverbial phrase; as de2, an adjunct to adjective phrase; as de3, an adjunct to nominal phrase. However, HE Yuanjian considers that de can be possessive particle as well as structural particle depending on the context, which is obviously different from the opinion of ZHU Dexi.
Table of Contents
- 1. Attributive Structure in Mandarin Chinese
- 1.1 Pattern Character of Attributive Structure
- 1.2 Semantic Relations Between Attributive and Head Noun
- 2. Particle De in Attributive Structure
- 2.1 Structural Particle
- 2.2 Possessive Determiner
- 3. Ellipsis of Head Noun in Attributive Structure
- 3.1 'X de' Structure
- 3.2 The Relation Between ‘X de' Structure and its Antecedent
- 3.3 Different Types of 'X de' Structure
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the ellipsis of head nouns in Mandarin Chinese attributive structures, examining this phenomenon from both semantic and syntactic perspectives. The analysis will focus on the role of the particle "de" and the licensing conditions for this type of ellipsis.
- Attributive structures in Mandarin Chinese
- The function of the particle "de"
- Ellipsis of head nouns in attributive structures
- Semantic and syntactic analysis of elliptical noun phrases
- Licensing conditions for ellipsis based on semantics and pragmatics
Chapter Summaries
1. Attributive Structure in Mandarin Chinese: This chapter introduces attributive structures in Mandarin Chinese, detailing their characteristic patterns. It delves into the diverse semantic relationships that exist between the attributive element and the head noun it modifies, laying the groundwork for understanding the complexities of noun ellipsis within these structures. The chapter establishes a foundational understanding of the grammatical framework relevant to the subsequent analysis of elliptical constructions.
2. Particle De in Attributive Structure: This chapter focuses on the crucial role of the particle "de" in Mandarin Chinese attributive structures. It explores the debate surrounding the dual nature of "de" – functioning as both a structural particle and a possessive determiner – and its implications for understanding the syntactic and semantic behavior of the constructions it appears in. The contrasting viewpoints of linguists Zhu Dexi and He Yuanjian regarding the nature of "de" are examined, clarifying its varied functions within different contextual frameworks.
3. Ellipsis of Head Noun in Attributive Structure: This chapter constitutes the core of the research, analyzing the ellipsis phenomenon itself. It begins by introducing the "X de" structure that emerges after the head noun is elided, and investigates the relationship between this elliptical structure and its antecedent. The chapter then classifies the diverse types of "X de" structures, providing detailed examples and analysis to fully explore the circumstances that allow for and govern the ellipsis of head nouns. The analysis considers both semantic and pragmatic factors in determining the licensing conditions for such ellipsis.
Keywords
Mandarin Chinese, attributive structure, ellipsis, head noun, particle "de," semantic relations, syntactic analysis, licensing conditions, pragmatics.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Ellipsis of Head Nouns in Mandarin Chinese Attributive Structures
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper focuses on the ellipsis (omission) of head nouns in Mandarin Chinese attributive structures. It examines this phenomenon from both semantic and syntactic perspectives, paying close attention to the role of the particle "de" and the conditions that allow for such ellipsis.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include: attributive structures in Mandarin Chinese; the function of the particle "de"; ellipsis of head nouns in attributive structures; semantic and syntactic analysis of elliptical noun phrases; and the licensing conditions for ellipsis based on semantics and pragmatics.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is organized into four chapters. Chapter 1 introduces attributive structures in Mandarin Chinese and the semantic relationships between attributive elements and head nouns. Chapter 2 focuses on the particle "de," examining its dual function as a structural particle and a possessive determiner. Chapter 3 forms the core of the research, analyzing the ellipsis of head nouns, the "X de" structure, and the relationship between the elliptical structure and its antecedent. Finally, Chapter 4 concludes the study.
What is the role of the particle "de"?
The particle "de" plays a crucial role in Mandarin Chinese attributive structures. The paper explores the debate surrounding its dual nature, acting as both a structural particle and a possessive determiner. Its implications for the syntactic and semantic behavior of the constructions it appears in are carefully examined, contrasting viewpoints from linguists like Zhu Dexi and He Yuanjian.
How does the paper analyze the ellipsis of head nouns?
The analysis of head noun ellipsis involves examining the "X de" structure that arises after ellipsis. The paper investigates the relationship between this elliptical structure and its antecedent, classifying different types of "X de" structures with detailed examples. Both semantic and pragmatic factors are considered in determining the licensing conditions for such ellipsis.
What are the key findings or conclusions of the research?
While the provided text doesn't explicitly state the conclusions, the detailed analysis of attributive structures, the role of "de," and the classification of "X de" structures lay the groundwork for conclusions regarding the licensing conditions and underlying mechanisms of head noun ellipsis in Mandarin Chinese.
What keywords are associated with this research?
The keywords associated with this research are: Mandarin Chinese, attributive structure, ellipsis, head noun, particle "de," semantic relations, syntactic analysis, licensing conditions, and pragmatics.
- Quote paper
- Yaqiu Liu (Author), 2015, Ellipsis of Noun in Attributive Structure in Mandarin Chinese. The Elliptical Noun Phrase, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/537204
