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Volume 2, Issue 2
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Abstract

This paper demonstrates in the Mandarin construction with a numeral (Num), classifier (CL) or measure word (MW), and a noun (N), each can be a silent element (SE). A multiplicative function exists between Num and CL/MW. Num as a multiplier is redundant and can be silent. CL, whose multiplicand value is , is redundant, when Num is overt. Thus, a silent Num YI, whose pronounced counterpart is ‘one’, can be licensed by an overt CL/MW, which are clitics in Mandarin and require a c-commanding head as host, which must satisfy additional prosodic constraints. A silent general CL, GE, can be licensed by an overt Num. MWs do not have SE counterparts. A silent N TIME is licensed by an overt time MW, while MONEY is licensed by a monetary MW. In both cases, the meaning of the SE is already part of the MW in [Num MW N].

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2015-12-30
2024-12-13

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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): bare classifier phrase; numeral; silent element; silent noun

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