Comparison constructions in Lizu (Tibeto-Burman)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the morphosyntax of comparison constructions in Lizu, a Tibeto-Burman language spoken in Southwest China. The paper has two goals: (1) to provide a synchronic description of four types of comparison constructions: (i) comparative constructions of superiority and inferiority, (ii) superlative constructions of superiority and inferiority, (iii) equative constructions, and (iv) similative constructions, and (2) to place their distinctive characteristics within a larger typological context. Lizu comparison constructions are characterised, on the hand, by the diversity of means of expression, combining morphological and periphrastic markers across construction types (e.g. morphological degree markers in the comparative and superlative constructions vs. periphrastic degree markers in the equative constructions); and, on the other hand, by co-existence of competing constructions (that is, two instances of superlative constructions of superiority and several instances of the equative and similative constructions). From a cross-linguistic perspective, two Lizu comparison constructions stand out: (1) the comparative construction of superiority with a dedicated, etymologically obscure, analytic standard marker and a dedicated bound degree marker (prefix), and (2) the superlative construction of superiority with a dedicated bound degree marker (prefix). Given that these construction types tend to show strong areal distribution where they occur, they are examined in the local areal context, as compared to corresponding constructions in the linguistic neighbors of Lizu: Namuzi, Pumi, Nuosu, Tibetan, and Mandarin. The implications of the findings are discussed in typological and areal perspectives.