Reclassifying Mandarin Chinese Classifiers Based on Non-quantifiable Nouns and Quantifying Boundaries: A Century-long Study (1924-2024)

Abstract

From new perspectives of non-quantifiable nouns and quantifying boundaries, this study proposes a hierarchical, dynamic, and four-layered sorting system for Mandarin Chinese classifiers (Cls): [_{Mandarin Chinese Cls} Sub-property Cls/Kind Cls [_{Non-sub-property Cls} [_{Cls for [+RB] nouns} RB Cls/Individual Cls [_{Non-RB Cls} Collective Cls Partitive Cls]][_{Cls for [-RB] nouns} Natural Cls/Individuating Cls [_{Non-natural Cls} Container Cls Standard Cls]]]]. This system focuses on the relation between Cls and nouns, and utilizes a unified sorting standard called 'boundaries', which renders the system more conducive to Cl research in syntax and semantics. It addresses three issues: 1. Clarifying why Kind Cls have no restrictions on nouns, whereas others do; 2. Mediating the longstanding debate on whether Mandarin Chinese nouns exhibit count-mass distinction; 3. Providing a unified explanation for why Cls like pian ‘(literally) slice’ and dui ‘heap’ belong to multiple types.