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
0. INTRODUCTION
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
Research Objectives and Topics
This thesis investigates the phenomenon of noun ellipsis in Mandarin Chinese attributive structures from both semantic and syntactic perspectives, aiming to identify the conditions and principles governing the omission of head nouns.
- The role of the particle 'de' in constructing attributive structures and facilitating ellipsis.
- Distinction between traditional grammar (NP analysis) and generative grammar (DP analysis).
- The Principle of Economy as the primary driver for noun ellipsis.
- Semantic relations such as possession, partitive, and contrastive focus influencing ellipsis.
- Identification of elliptical 'X de' structure types based on the presence of antecedents.
Excerpt from the Book
0. Introduction
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, as illustrated in the following examples:
In English (Lobec(1995)):
(1) a. Although John's friends were late to the rally, [Mary's] arrived on time.
b. We tasted many wines, and I thought that [some] were extremely dry.
In French (Francis Corblin, Henriëtte de Swart(2004)):
(2) a. Marie a beaucoup de chiens. [Certains] aboient.
Mary has many dogs. Some bark.
b. J’ai mangé trois des [tiennes].
I have eaten three of yours.
Summary of Chapters
0. INTRODUCTION: Introduces the topic of head noun ellipsis in Chinese attributive structures and compares it with similar phenomena in other languages.
1. ATTRIBUTIVE STRUCTURE IN MANDARIN CHINESE: Provides an overview of attributive patterns (simple vs. complex) and explores semantic relations between modifiers and head nouns.
2. PARTICLE DE IN ATTRIBUTIVE STRUCTURE: Analyzes the function of the particle 'de' as a structural particle in traditional grammar and as a possessive determiner in generative grammar.
3. ELLIPSIS OF HEAD NOUN IN ATTRIBUTIVE STRUCTURE: Examines the mechanisms of the 'X de' structure and the conditions under which ellipsis occurs based on context and semantic constraints.
4. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, confirming the essential role of 'de' and the impact of the Principle of Economy on ellipsis.
Keywords
Ellipsis, Mandarin Chinese, Attributive Structure, Noun Phrase, Particle De, Head Noun, Economy Principle, Possessive Determiner, Generative Grammar, Semantic Relation, Partitive Relation, Contrastive Focus, X-bar Theory, Nominalization, Syntactic Structure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work focuses on the linguistic phenomenon of head noun ellipsis in Chinese attributive structures, exploring how and why the head noun can be omitted while retaining the meaning of the phrase.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The paper covers Chinese syntax, semantic relations within noun phrases, the role of the particle 'de', and the application of the Principle of Economy in linguistic structures.
What is the core research question?
The research asks what conditions allow for the ellipsis of the head noun in Chinese attributive structures and how this phenomenon is licensed by semantic and pragmatic factors.
Which scientific methodologies are employed?
The paper utilizes both traditional Chinese grammar analysis and generative grammar frameworks, specifically employing X-bar theory to analyze the structure of Determiner Phrases (DP).
What is discussed in the main body of the paper?
The body analyzes the attributive structure patterns, the controversial functional roles of 'de' (structural particle vs. possessive determiner), and the specific licensing conditions for head noun ellipsis.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Ellipsis, Mandarin Chinese, Attributive Structure, Particle De, and Economy Principle.
How does the role of the particle 'de' differ between frameworks?
In traditional grammar, 'de' is treated as a structural particle in an NP, whereas in generative grammar, it is analyzed as a possessive determiner in a DP structure.
Why is the 'X de' structure significant for ellipsis?
The 'X de' structure is the typical form for elliptical noun phrases in Chinese, where the particle 'de' acts as a crucial marker that allows the preceding modifier to stand in for the missing head noun.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Yaqiu Liu (Autor:in), 2015, Ellipsis of Noun in Attributive Structure in Mandarin Chinese. The Elliptical Noun Phrase, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/537204
