Classifier words in Putonghua. Relevance and irrelevance of use. Experimental study

Abstract

The study is devoted to the category of counting words (words-classifiers) in modern Chinese. A counting word is a word that indicates the discreteness of the object (object or action) it introduces. Counting words in Chinese are divided into two classes: classifiers for nouns (名量词 míng liàng cí) and multiplicity indicators for verbs (动量词 dòng liàng cí). The study deals specifically with classifiers for nouns. With regard to classifier words in Mandarin, many works have been written, where counter words are organized into different groups. These groups often differ in volume and in features that are inherent in each individual counting word. Some authors believe that the counting word is a function word that is not used as a separate category, some refer classifier words to nouns. In our study, we will adhere to the second point of view. It should also be noted that in different periods of history and in different dialects (topolects), different counter words were used to classify words according to a certain species-forming feature. We base our research on classifier words found in northern dialects that form the basis of Mandarin.

References

1. Kurdyumov V.A. Chinese language course. Theoretical grammar. M.: CITADEL-TRADE; LADA, 2005.

2. Zograf I.T. Wenyan and Baihua: Interaction of two forms of isolating language. Written monuments of the East. 2008. Vol. 8. No. 1. P. 125–146. (In Russ.).

3. Big Chinese-Russian Dictionary: official site. M. Updated throughout the day. URL: https://bkrs.info/ (accessed: 30.03.2023). Text: electronic.