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Article published In:
Classifiers
Edited by Alexandra Y. Aikhenvald
[Asian Languages and Linguistics 3:2] 2022
► pp. 268–299

Nominal classification in Zhuang

| The University of Melbourne

The Zhuang language employs a system of nominal classification, including numeral classifiers, modifier classifiers, class terms, kin prefixes, gender markers, prefixable morphemes for topographic names, among others. Quite often, the same set of morphemes is used as numeral classifiers and with demonstratives. The numeral classifier system is particularly salient, comprising numeral terms and noun classifiers, with dozens of classifiers featuring fine semantic distinctions. The modifier classifier system involves the use of classifiers in nominal modification of all kinds. The kinship system consists of kinship terms which take prefixes and other human terms as prefixes to personal names. Gender markers are found for human nouns, some kinship terms and animal nouns or plant names. Toponyms or place names are headed by morphemes describing the topographic or geographic features of the places or locations in question. Discourse contexts may also help to differentiate different types of Classifier Phrase.

Keywords: numeral-classifier, nominalization, bare noun, definiteness, locative classifier, classifier phrase
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Noun classification devices in Zhuang
    • 2.1Nominalization strategies in Zhuang
    • 2.2Class nouns as classificatory prefixes
    • 2.3Gender marking
      • 2.3.1Manifestations of gender marking
      • 2.3.2Gender markers used as classifiers
    • 2.4Possessive phrase
    • 2.5Place names and locative nouns
    • 2.6Kinship terms as reference terms of address
    • 2.7Time nouns
  • 3.Classifier constructions and their functions
    • 3.1Noun classifiers and numeral classifiers
      • 3.1.1Classifiers
      • 3.1.2Noun classifiers and class nouns
      • 3.1.3Modifier classifier
      • 3.1.4Repeater classifier
      • 3.1.5Classifiers denoting plurality
    • 3.2Numeral classifier construction
      • 3.2.1The basic numeral classifier construction
      • 3.2.2Specialized classifiers
    • 3.3Deictic classifier construction
      • 3.3.1Function of deictic classifier construction
      • 3.3.2Deictic classifier construction and relative clause
    • 3.4Verbal action classifier
      • 3.4.1Collective verbal action classifier
      • 3.4.2Verbal action classifier as instrument
      • 3.4.3Verbal action repeater classifiers
  • 4.Bare noun and classifier-noun phrase
  • 5.Concluding remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • Note
  • Abbreviations
  • References
Published online: 26 January 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.22011.luo
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