汉语的附着成分研究--从语法化的角度考察 = Studies on clitics of Chinese - The grammaticalization approach

Abstract

Grammaticalization investigates languages emphirically from a diachronic perspective, more specifically the formation of specific grammatical structures and units. Clitic is categorized as a transitional stage in such a formation; displaying certain prosodic, semantic and other changes whilst in transition. My thesis argues for such a treatment of clitic and suggests future expansion of clitic theories in this direction. We shall also focus on clitics in Mandarin Chinese and its dialects, as to my knowledge, this area has not received adequate attention. Specific grammatical units such as resultative morphemes i??e!Ye?-i??, the plural affix men i??a>?i??and structural particles dei??cs?i?? are singled out for detailed synchronic and diachronic comparative analysis, to determine its clitic status and further reveal its relevant behaviors. Thus concluding that certain long-standing linguistic questions can be resolved by attributing it to being a clitic-related phenomenon.