Research On D Functions Of Classifiers In Chinese

It is well-acknowledged that Chinese is an articleless language and the issue of whetherD exists in Chinese has captured a growing number of attentions within the framework ofUniversal Grammar and Determiner Phrases Hypothesis.This thesis aims to analyze Chinese classifiers and D functions of classifiers with thehelp of feature-checking analysis in the framework of UG. The thesis has proposed and solvedthe following three questions:(1) As an articleless language, do determiners exist in Chineseunder the framework of UG? If it exists, which elements can be potentially to be determiners?(2) What is the underlying structure for Chinese nominal phrases with definite interpretation?(3) How to use feature-based approach to give a unified explanation for definitenessinterpretation of numeral classifiers within DP?As for the above questions, this thesis points out that D exists in Chinese and it hasdifferent representations as the result of parameterization after investigating typologicaldifferences of different forms of Chinese. Secondly, this thesis agrees that nominal phraseswith referential interpretation is the determiner phrases and the position of D in nominalphrases should not be empty with the definite meaning after observing different distributionsand interpretations of nominal phrases, namely bare nouns,[CL+NP],[Num+CL+NP] andnominal phrases with demonstratives, in pre-verbal and post-verbal positions. Thirdly, thisthesis applies feature-checking approach to give a unified analysis for the differences andsimilarities. In this approach, D functions as a probe with un-interpretable [definite] feature innominal phrases of definite interpretation and this feature is so strong that it should and onlyagree with a goal which it c-commands in its domain. Besides, due to the parameterization,CL-to-D raising in Cantonese and N-to-D movement in Mandarin Chinese arrives as thedifferent devices to fulfill the definite interpretation.This thesis has provided a more comprehensive explanation of Chinese classifiers from anew view, which not only contributes to get a further understating of classifiers status inChinese and enriches the studies of classifiers, but also develops and expands the parameters.