Skip to main content
Log in

Numeral classifiers in Mandarin Chinese

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of East Asian Linguistics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article uses a multilevel approach to study the Chinese numeral classifiers. It argues that although shape categories constitute a major cognitive base for numeral classification, lexical taxonomy, linguistic convention, and stylistic creativity also play a role in determining the use of Chinese classifiers. It cautions that in general the relationship between noun and classifier is explicable from the semantic/cognitive stance, but the relationship is not always transparent and consistent. At times the choice of a classifier can be entirely arbitrary and subject to linguistic innovation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adams, K. L. (1986). Numeral classifiers in austroasiatic. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categorization (pp. 241–262). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Adams, K. L., & Conklin, N. F. (1973). Toward a theory of natural classification. Papers from the ninth regional meeting. Chicago Linguistics Society, pp. 1–10.

  • Ahrens K. (1994) Classifier production in normals and aphasics. Journal of Chinese Linguistics, 22, 203–247

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen K. (1977) Classifier. Language 53(2):285–311

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becker, A. L. (1975). A linguistic image of nature: The Burmese numerative classifier system. Linguistics, 165, 109–121.

  • Cheng, L. L.-S., & Sybesma, R. (1998). Yi-wan Tang, Yi-ge Tang: Classifiers and massifier. The Tsinghua Journal of Chinese Studies, New Series, 28(3), 385–412.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chien, Y.-C., Barbara, L., & Chiang, C.-P. (2003). Chinese children comprehension of count-classifiers and mass-classifiers. Journal of East Asian Linguistics, 12, 91–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Craig, C. (1986). Introduction. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categorization (pp. 1–10). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Croft, W. (1994). Semantic universals in classifier systems. Word, 45, 145–171.

    Google Scholar 

  • Denny, P. J. (1976). What are noun classifiers good for? Papers from the twelfth regional meeting. Chicago Linguistic Society, pp. 122–132.

  • Denny, P. J. (1986). The semantic role of noun classifiers. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categorization (pp. 279–308). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Delancey, S. (1986). Toward a history of Tai classifier systems. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categorization (pp. 437–452). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Dixon, R. M. W. (1986). Noun classes and noun classification in typological perspective. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categorization (pp. 105–113). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Erbaugh, M. S. (1986). Taking stock: The development of Chinese noun classifiers historically and in young children. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categorization (pp. 399–436). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Friedrich, P. (1970). Shape in Grammar. Language, 46, 370–407.

  • Givon, T. (1986). Prototypes: Between Plato and Wittgenstein. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categorization (pp. 77–102). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Greenberg, J. H. (1972). Numeral classifiers and substantive number: Problems in the genesis of a linguistic type. Working Papers on Language Universals, 9, 1–39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, J. H. (1974). Studies in numerical system: Double numeral system. Working Papers on Language Universals, 14, 75–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guo, X. (2002). Xiandai Hanyu Liangci Yongfa Cidian [A Dictionary of Usage of Contemporary Chinese Classifiers]. Beijing:Yuwen Chubanshe.

  • Haas M. (1942) The use of numeral classifiers in Thai. Language 18, 201–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanyu Liangci Cidian (1988). Hanyu Liangci Cidian [A dictionary of Chinese classifiers]. Fuzhou:Fujian Renmin Chubanshe.

  • He, J. (2001). Xiandai Hanyu Liangci Yanjiu [Studies on classifiers in modern Chinese]. Beijing: Minzu Publishing House.

  • Hopper, P., & Thompson, S. (1984). The discourse basis of lexical categories. Language, 60, 703–753.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, Q. (1993). The acquisition of Chinese classifiers by young mandarin-speaking children. PhD dissertation, Boston University.

  • Huang, C.-T. J. (1982). Logical relations in Chinese and the theory of grammar. PhD dissertation, MIT.

  • Lakoff, G. (1986). Classifiers as a reflection of mind. In C. Craig (Ed.), Noun classes and categori- zation (pp. 13–51). Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

  • Lakoff, G. (1987). Women, fire and dangerous things: What categories reveal about the mind. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

  • Lee, M. (1988). Language, perception and the world. In J. A. Hawkins (Ed.), Explaining language universals (pp. 211–246). New York: Basil Blackwell Inc.

  • Lee, T. H.-T. (1996). Theoretical issues in language development and Chinese child language. In J. C.-T. Huang, & A. Y.-H. Li (Eds.), New horizons in Chinese linguistics (pp. 293–356). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

  • Lehman F.K. (1979) Aspects of a formal theory of noun classifiers. Studies in Language 3, 153–180

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, W. (1997). The discourse function of classifier phrases in Mandarin Chinese. In S. Tötösy de Zepetnek, & J. W. Jay (Eds.), East asian cultural and historical perspectives (pp. 241–254). Edmonton, University of Alberta: Research Institute for Comparative Literature and Cross-Cultural Studies.

  • Li, C. & Thompson, S. (1981). Mandarin Chinese: A functional reference grammar, Berkeley: University of California Press.

  • Loke, K.-K. (1991). A semantic analysis of young children’s use of Mandarin shape classifiers. In A. Kwan-Terry (Ed.), Child language development in Singapore and Malaysia (pp. 98–116). Singapore: Singapore University Press.

  • Loke, K.-K. (1994). Is Ge merely a ‘general classifier’? Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association, 29(3), 35–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loke, K.-K. (1996). Norms and realities of Mandarin Shape Classifiers. Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association, 31(2), 1–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Polio C. (1994) Non-native speakers’ use of nominal classifiers in Mandarin Chinese. Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association 31(3):51–66

    Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie W.C. (1971). On the analysis of surface nouns. Papers in Linguistics 4, 1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosch, E., Mervis, C. B., Gray, W. D., Johnson, D. H., & Boyes-Braem, P. (1976). Basic objects in Natural Categories. Cognitive Psychology, 8, 382–439.

  • Shi, Y.-Z. (1996). Proportion of extensional dimensions: The primary cognitive basis for shape-based classifiers in Chinese. Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association, 31(2), 37–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun, C. (1988). The discourse function of numeral classifiers in Mandarin Chinese. Journal of Chinese Linguistics, 2, 298–322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun, R. (1996). Guanyu Liangci ‘Gehua’ de Sikao [On the tendency toward using the General Ge]. Yunnan Normal University Journal, 1, 70–74.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tai, J. H.-Y. (1992). Variation in classifier systems across Chinese dialects: Towards a cognition- based semantic approach. Symposium Series of the Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica, No. 2, pp. 587–608.

  • Tai, J. H.-Y. (1994). Chinese classifier systems and human categorization. In W. S.-Y. Wang, M. Y. Chen, & O. J. L Tzeng (Eds.), In honor of William S.-Y. Wang: Interdisciplinary studies on language and language change (pp. 479–494). Taipei: Pyramid Press.

  • Tai J.H.-Y., Chao F.-Y. (1994) A semantic study of the classifier Zhang. Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association, 29(3):67–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Tai J.H.-Y., Wang L. (1990) A semantic study of the classifier Tiao. Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association 25 (1):35–56

    Google Scholar 

  • T’sou, B. K. (1976). The structure of nominal classifier systems. In P. N. Jenner, L. C. Thompson, & S. Starosta (Eds.), Austroasiatic studies, Part II (pp. 1214–1247). Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hong Zhang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zhang, H. Numeral classifiers in Mandarin Chinese. J East Asian Linguist 16, 43–59 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10831-006-9006-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10831-006-9006-9

Keywords

Navigation