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Nominal Classification in Asia and Oceania: Functional and diachronic perspectives
Edited by Marc Allassonnière-Tang and Marcin Kilarski
[Current Issues in Linguistic Theory 362] 2023
► pp. 161–199

Chapter 6
Contact-induced reduction, loss, and emergence of numeral classifiers

Two case studies from East Asia

| University of Helsinki |
| Aix-Marseille University and CNRS Laboratory Parole et Langage |
This paper examines contact-induced change in numeral classifier systems based on two case studies of East Asian languages. Study 1 investigates contact-induced loss and emergence of numeral classifiers in different languages of the Amdo Sprachbund, where Sinitic languages are engaged in a long-term history of contact with Mongolic, Turkic and Tibetic languages. Study 2 focuses on loss of numeral classifiers as a result of language attrition, as testified by the isolate language Nivkh under the pressure of the dominant language Russian. The data discussed in the paper are based on fieldwork as well as on secondary sources. We discuss the patterns of language change that foster the reduction, loss and emergence of numeral classifiers and the different socio-historical scenarios where these developments occur. A general discussion and a tentative comparison with contact-induced change in the domain of grammatical gender, another type of nominal classification strategy, conclude the paper.
Keywords: contact, reduction, loss, emergence, numeral classifiers
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Case study 1: Contact-induced loss and emergence of numeral classifiers in Northwest China
    • 2.1Numeral classifiers in Sinitic languages: An overview
    • 2.2Loss of classifiers in Northern Chinese varieties
    • 2.3The Amdo Sprachbund
      • 2.3.1Classifiers in non-Sinitic languages of the Amdo Sprachbund
      • 2.3.2Contact-induced loss of numeral classifiers: Wutun
      • 2.3.3Contact-induced emergence of numeral classifiers: Mangghuer
    • 2.4The sociohistorical context behind the loss and emergence of classifiers in Northwest China
    • 2.5Case study 1: Discussion and summary
  • 3.Case study 2: Loss of numeral classifiers and language attrition in Nivkh
    • 3.1Nivkh: The people and the language
    • 3.2The traditional numeral classifier system of Nivkh
      • 3.2.1Nivkh cardinal numerals
      • 3.2.2Sortal classifiers
      • 3.2.3Mensural classifiers
    • 3.3Reduction of numeral classifiers: Recent observations from the field
    • 3.4Case study 2: Discussion and summary
  • 4.General discussion and conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 1 December 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/cilt.362.06san
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