Selected Issues in Mandarin Chinese Word Structure Analysis: (v. 13 Studies in Linguistics & Semiotics)

This study presents a variety of issues in Mandarin Chinese morphology. First, it addresses the issue of what constitutes a Mandarin "word". Then, it presents phonological and morph phonological processes involving all three dimensions of Mandarin word structure, i.e., syllable, tone, and character. Preface; This research study makes important contributions to the field of Chinese linguistics. It focuses on the application of contemporary linguistic theories and practices in the analysis of Mandarin Chinese word structure. It dispels the misconception that Mandarin word structure is simple, and presents convincing arguments that various characteristics of Mandarin word formation are similar to those of inflectional languages such as English and various Indo-European languages. In addition, it shows features that are unique to Mandarin and ventures into the rarely explored areas of Mandarin linguistic analysis. Specifically, the study investigates the relationship between Mandarin characters, syllables, and words. It provides a rationale for determining whether an element or string in a given context is considered a word from the perspective of linguistic analysis. It shows that tone change, syllable restructuring, affixation, and compounding all play important roles in Mandarin word formation. This study also points out the obscure boundary between morphology and syntax and provides examples of incorporation in various grammatical categories. Teachers, students, and scholars who study Mandarin word structure will find this monograph an excellent resource. Not only is this work of considerable theoretical value, but it is also of significant relevance to applied linguistics in the context of language teaching and learning. Yong Ho, Ph.D.

Table of Contents:
List Of Abbreviations i; Preface iii; Foreword v; Acknowledgments vii; Chapter 1: Introduction 1; 1.1. The Goals of this Study 1; 1.2. The Organization of this Study 3; 1.3. An Introduction to Mandarin 5; Chapter 2: On The Definition Of A Mandarin Word 9; 2.1. Characters 9; 2.2. What is a Mandarin Word? 13; Chapter 3: Phonological And Morphophonological Issues 25; 3.1. Tones 25; 3.2. Morphophonology of Tone 27; 3.3. Syllable Structures 33; 3.4. - er Suffixation 34; 3.5. Phonotactics 36; 3.6. Morphophonological Restructuring of Characters 38; 3.7. Summary 40; Chapter 4: Word Formation Through Derivational Processes: Linear And Nonlinear 41; 4.1. Introduction 41; 4.2. The Plural Suffix - men 41; 4.3. Classifiers 45; 4.4. Linear Derivational Processes 51; 4.4.1. Affixation 51; 4.4.2. Reduplication 63; 4.5. Nonlinear Derivational Processes 71; 4.5.1. Conversion 71; 4.5.2. Tonal Variation 73; 4.5.3. Apophony 74; 4.6. Summary 77; Chapter 5: Morphosyntax: Evidence Of Incorporation 79; 5.1. Adverb Compounding 81; 5.2. Adjective Compounding 82; 5.3. Verb Compounding 85; 5.4. Noun Compounding 85; 5.5. Incorporation in Idioms 88; 5.6. Summary 90; Chapter 6: Concluding Remarks 91; Bibliography 93; Index 105