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Abstract

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss two types of dimensional adjectives in Nuosu Yi (Tibeto-Burman), which we refer to as Positive adjectives (PAs) and Equative Adjectives (EAs). We show that PAs and EAs are subject to different distributions in gradation structures: EAs are only admissible in gradation structures that can be associated with measure phrases, which include differential comparatives (e.g., Ayi is 2 cm taller than Aguo.) and degree questions (e.g., How tall is Ayi?). PAs are licensed elsewhere, including comparatives that do not introduce a differential (e.g., Ayi is taller than Aguo.), the intensification construction (e.g., Ayi is very tall), the superlative construction (e.g., Ayi is the tallest), etc. Assuming that measure phrases are degree-denoting expressions, we propose that the complementary distribution of PAs and EAs in Nuosu Yi is due to their different semantics: PAs are context sensitive predicates that do not introduce a degree argument (of type <e, t>), while EAs are degree predicates (of type <d, <e, t>>).

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2022-07-05
2025-04-21

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/content/journals/10.1075/alal.21017.liu
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Dimensional adjectives in Nuosu Yi
Asian Languages and Linguistics 3, 60 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.21017.liu
/content/journals/10.1075/alal.21017.liu
/content/journals/10.1075/alal.21017.liu
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): degree constructions; degrees; dimensional adjectives; Nuosu Yi

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