Referential properties of noun phrase in Chinese

Abstract

This study investigates the functioning of referential components within noun phrases in Modern Chinese. The analysis focuses on the deployment of these elements in sentence structures to elucidate their referential status-a topic that remains largely underexplored in Russian-language sinological scholarship. Particular attention is given to the referential properties of noun phrases, framed within the context of the extensive theoretical foundation established in Russian linguistics over more than half a century of research on reference. Evidence from Chinese corpus data indicates that linear position plays a decisive role in determining the referential status of noun phrases in this system. In contrast, lexical features alone are insufficient for accurately capturing the referential meanings of noun phrases in context. It is thus essential to delineate the conditions under which a language permits multiple alternative strategies for designating real-world referents. Consequently, the pragmatic factors governing communicative interaction must be taken into account when determining referential choices within noun phrase structure.

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