Abstract
This paper examines five syntactic functions performed by the double object verb [pei 35] (meaning 'to give') in the Cantonese dialects: (a) Indirect object marker; (b) beneficiary marker; (c) causative verb; (d) passive marker; and (e) instrument marker. It will, through cross-linguistic and cross-dialectal comparison, show how these functions are related to the double object verb as a result of grammaticalization which involves a number of semantic and cognitive processes such as desemanticization, decategorialization, and semantic-pragmatic inferencing. The grammaticalization paths and the chronological development of these functions of [pei 35] will also be examined on the basis of synchronic and diachronic data from Cantonese. Finally, the multifunctionality of give found in some non-Sinitic languages spoken in China and the Southeast Asian linguistic area will be discussed from an areal perspective.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 529-563 |
Number of pages | 35 |
Journal | Language and Linguistics |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Areal linguistics
- Cantonese
- Double object verb
- Grammaticalization
- Southeast Asian linguistic area