Number in the Verbal and Nominal Domains

Abstract

In recent studies, number in the verbal domain has been proposed to show a similar semantic property to number in the nominal domain, e.g., singular or plural. This paper provides some support for this proposal by exploring number property in the nominal and verbal domains in Mandarin Chinese (henceforth, Mandarin). This paper shows that number between the two domains is in semantic parallel sharing similar interpretations such as number neutral interpretation. Moreover, the semantic parallel in Mandarin is not isolated in that it is similar to a typologically unrelated language such as Karitiana (Arikén) spoken in Brazil. This paper also examines whether the role of a pluralizer in Mandarin, i.e., a classifier, is similar to a pluralizer in Karitiana. Despite of having a similar semantic parallel, however, a classifier in Mandarin is shown to have a different role from a pluralizer in Karitiana, namely counting. This paper suggests that a role of an event pluralizer can be more specific than currently recognized, e.g., not merely adding a plural meaning but counting.