Abstract
The paper offers an analysis of plural reduplication in Japanese. I argue that reduplicated nouns are antonym compounds that have two opposite values of number features. Each member of a reduplicated noun is associated with an interpretable valued number feature, and values of the number features must not be identical to each other. I propose that two opposite values on the top node of a reduplicated noun becomes an uninterpretable valued feature in Japanese. As a result, reduplicated nouns in Japanese are not specified as singular or plural because uninterpretable features do not have any semantic import. The proposal makes the prediction that reduplicated nouns are similar to bare common nouns in the sense that they do not bear the specification of singular-plural distinction. I show this prediction is borne out. The proposal also leaves room for an analysis of typological variation of plural reduplication.
Highlights
This paper provides an analysis of plural interpretation in Japanese
I argued that Japanese reduplicated nouns are antonym compounds that have two opposite values of number features
Based on Harbour (2011), I proposed that two opposite values yield an uninterpretable valued number feature on the top node of a reduplicated noun
Summary
As shown in (1a), Japanese bare common nouns are ambiguous between singular and plural. As shown in (2a), Japanese bare common nouns can be modified by the numeral ‘one’ because they are ambiguous between singular and plural. Under the present analysis, reduplicated nouns are antonym compounds in the sense that values of two interpretable number features are opposite and contrasted. Japanese bare common nouns are ambiguous between singular and plural.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
