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Article published In:
Classifiers
Edited by Alexandra Y. Aikhenvald
[Asian Languages and Linguistics 3:2] 2022
► pp. 300–330

Numeral classifiers in Kazakh

| Goethe University Frankfurt
| Goethe University Frankfurt
| Gumiljov Eurasian National University

Many languages distinguish numeral classifiers in their grammar systems categorizing nominals in terms of their inherent nature, such as animacy, shape, form, and arrangement. Kazakh, a Turkic language of Central Asia, distinguishes numeral classifiers, which are used in numeral classifier constructions consisting of a numeral, a numeral classifier and a specified noun. Numeral classifiers in such constructions can be optional. This paper aims at a preliminary description of the features, types, and usage of numeral classifiers in Kazakh.

Keywords: numeral classifiers, Kazakh, classification, features, usage
Article outline
  • 1.Theoretical preliminaries
  • 2.State of research on numeral classifiers in Kazakh
  • 3.Special features of Kazakh numeral classifiers
    • 3.1Lexical and morphological properties of numeral classifiers
    • 3.2Inherent semantic and syntactic features of numeral classifiers
  • 4.Typological properties of numeral classifiers in Kazakh
    • 4.1Sortal classifiers in Kazakh
    • 4.2Mensural classifiers in Kazakh
      • 4.2.1Numeral classifiers used for domestic animals and humans
      • 4.2.2Numeral classifiers used for relatively small items
      • 4.2.3Numeral classifiers used for food and drinks
      • 4.2.4Numeral classifiers based on arrangement
      • 4.2.5Numeral classifiers used for items according to their containers
      • 4.2.6Numeral classifiers used for measuring length, width, or thickness
      • 4.2.7Special numeral classifiers/idiomatic expressions used to measure distance and time
  • 5.The usage of numeral classifiers in Kazakh
  • 6.Concluding remarks
  • Note
  • Abbreviations
  • References
Published online: 26 January 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.22024.jum
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