The Nominal Group in Khorchin Mongolian: A Systemic Functional Perspective

Abstract

The main focus on nominals in traditional descriptions of Mongolian is in terms of word class. Their combinations are described either with respect to their role as clause constituents or in terms of a simple modifier-modified relationship. This paper, on the other hand, recognizes the Khorchin Mongolian nominal group as a unit, whose structural configuration is realized mainly through nominals, as well as embedded nominal groups and clauses. The paper describes the relationship between nominal group systems and structures, focusing on the major systems of thing type, classification, title, experiential marking, determination, orientation, qualification, theme marking, numeration, and epithesis. These systems are interpreted in terms of the division of labor between textual, interpersonal, and experiential meaning in SFL. The systemic functional description presented in this paper provides a functionally motivated interpretation of the ordering of elements in Khorchin Mongolian nominal group and the interactions between systems.