Negation in Longxi Qiang

Zheng, Wuxi

doi:10.1075/lali.00053.zhe

Article published In:

Language and Linguistics
Vol. 20:4 (2019) ► pp.660–694

Negation in Longxi Qiang

Wuxi Zheng | South China Normal University

Negation in Longxi Qiang shows distinctive features in comparison to other recorded Qiang varieties. The choice between the two negative prefixes /mí-/ and /mì-/ and the volition indicated by these two negative markers in Longxi Qiang are similar to those of negators pu³¹ and mei⁵⁵ in Wenchuan Mandarin. To a large extent, pu³¹ corresponds to /mí-/ and mei⁵⁵ corresponds to /mì-/. Moreover, two negative constructions with positive meaning in Wenchuan Mandarin are borrowed into Longxi Qiang. I believe that the development of a negation system similar to Wenchuan Mandarin in Longxi Qiang is not a coincidence; language contact is an important factor accounting for it.

Keywords: Qiang, Longxi, negation, language contact, superstratum influence

Article outline

1.Introduction
2.The tonal system and tonal derivation rules of Longxi Qiang
- 2.1Tonal dissimilation
  - 2.1.1Progressive dissimilation
  - 2.1.2Regressive dissimilation
- 2.2Tonal assimilation
  - 2.2.1Progressive assimilation
  - 2.2.2Regressive assimilation
- 2.3The decomposition of the low-rising tone
- 2.4Tonal derivation rules of negation
  - 2.4.1Aktionsart in Longxi Qiang
  - 2.4.2Viewpoint aspect in Longxi Qiang
  - 2.4.3Negators /mí-/ and /mì-/ are two separate morphemes
    - a.Verb roots bearing low-rising or high-falling tone
    - b.Bisyllabic states and activities
    - c.Verb roots taking directional prefixes
3.Scope of negation in Longxi Qiang
- 3.1Nuclear negation
- 3.2Core negation
- 3.3Clausal negation
4.Different verb types and their interaction with negators
- 4.1States and their negative counterparts
- 4.2Activities and their negative counterparts
- 4.3Accomplishments and their negative counterparts
- 4.4Achievements and their negative counterparts
- 4.5Negation for continuative aspect
5.Superstratum influence of Wenchuan Mandarin on Longxi Qiang
- 5.1Negator pu³¹ for states and activities
- 5.2Negation mei⁵⁵ for accomplishments and achievements
- 5.3Volition of negative markers
- 5.4Negative forms indicating positive meaning
6.Discussion
7.Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Notes
Abbreviations
References

Available under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 license.

For any use beyond this license, please contact the publisher at [email protected].

Published online: 24 October 2019

https://doi.org/10.1075/lali.00053.zhe

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