Noun-Modifying Constructions in Japanese

A frame semantic approach

Author

Yoshiko Matsumoto | Stanford University

Hardbound – Available

ISBN 9789027230386 (Eur) | EUR 105.00

ISBN 9781556198465 (USA) | USD 158.00

e-Book –

ISBN 9789027281951 | EUR 105.00 | USD 158.00

This study examines the clausal noun-modifying construction (NMC) in Japanese, a much-discussed construction that embraces what have usually been called relative clause and noun complement constructions. Drawing upon a broad range of naturally-occurring NMCs, including types that fall outside the domains of relative clause and noun complement constructions, Yoshiko Matsumoto argues for an analysis of NMCs that gives an important role to semantics and pragmatics. The framework in which this approach is presented draws from, and further refines, concepts of frame semantics. By using a frame semantic definition of semantic integration, the author reveals the commonality of diverse types of NMCs in Japanese, and posits a tripartite classification of NMCs which is both more comprehensive and more revealing than the traditional dichotomy between relative clause and noun complement constructions.
As the first comprehensive and systematic study in English of Japanese NMCs with diverse lexical heads, this work is further notable for its detailed discussion of the dependence of NMCs on both linguistic and extra-linguistic context.

[Studies in Language Companion Series, 35] 1997. viii, 204 pp.

Publishing status: Available

https://doi.org/10.1075/slcs.35

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations | p. ix

Preface | p. xi

1 Introduction | p. 1

2 Syntactic and Descriptive Approaches to Noun Modification | p. 11

2.1 Syntactic Studies
2.2 Descriptive Approach

3 Construal and the Variety of Noun-Modifying Constructions: Description and Framework | p. 37

3.1 The Need for a Theory of Construal
3.2 Frame Semantics and a Framework for the Present Study

4 Analysis of Noun-Modifying Constructions I: CH-type | p. 77

4.1 “Relative Clause” Constructions
4.2 Other Possible Relationships between Noun and Clause
4.3 Summary

5 Analysis of Noun-Modifying Constructions II: NH-type and CNH-type | p. 135

5.1 Noun Host Type Constructions
5.2 Clause and Noun Host Type (CNH-type) Constructions
5.3 Summary

6 Conclusion | p. 165

6.1 The Frame-Semantic Analysis of Noun-Modifying Constructions
6.2 The Applications of Frame Semantics
6.3 Further Directions in the Study of NMCs

Notes | p. 173

Index | p. 205

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