On a possible convergence area in Northern China

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-206
Author(s):  
Giorgio Francesco ARCODIA
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Chinese Dialects ◽  
Nonconcatenative Morphology ◽  
Sinitic Languages

Abstract The received view that the differences among Sinitic languages are mostly limited to their phonology and, to a lesser extent, to the lexicon (Chao 1968), has been challenged in recent years, with plenty of studies showing that Chinese ‘dialects’ are, indeed, diverse at all levels, including morphology and (morpho-)syntax (see Chappell 2015a for an overview). Some major differences within the Sinitic branch follow areal patterns, in which contact is often claimed to play a crucial role. In our contribution, we would like to propose that there is an area within Northern China, spread over the Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Shandong provinces, in which we find Sinitic languages possessing some features not seen (or, at least, uncommon) elsewhere. These include: 1. reduced/nonconcatenative morphology (see Arcodia 2013, 2015; Lamarre 2015); 2. object markers based on speech act verbs (see Chappell 2013); and 3. structural particles with an l-initial (see Chen A. 2013, a.o.). Based on our own survey of a sample of 96 dialects, we shall discuss the distribution of these features, as well as their possible origins.

Morphology in Sino-Tibetan Languages

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Francesco Arcodia ◽  
Bianca Basciano
Keyword(s):  
Northern China ◽  
Morphological Type ◽  
Southern Chinese ◽  
Prolonged Contact ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Family ◽  
Chinese Dialects ◽  
Nonconcatenative Morphology ◽  
Austroasiatic Languages ◽  
Sinitic Languages

Sino-Tibetan is a highly diverse language family, in which a wide range of morphological phenomena and profiles may be found. The family is generally seen as split into two major branches, i.e., Sinitic and Tibeto-Burman, but while Sinitic is a fairly homogeneous group in terms of morphology, the so-called Tibeto-Burman branch of the family includes isolating languages like Karen, languages with transparent and regular agglutinative morphology (Lolo-Burmese, Tibetic, and Boro-Garo), but also paradigmatically complex languages, with elaborate argument indexation and transitivity management systems; while in some languages morphological complexity is mostly a conservative trait (e.g., Rgyalrongic and Kiranti), other languages developed innovative paradigms, with only few vestiges of the archaic system (Kuki-Chin). Some notable morphological phenomena in modern Tibeto-Burman languages are verb stem alternation, peculiar nominalization constructions, and long sequences of prefixes, which in some languages (Chintang) may even be freely permutated without any relevant change in meaning. Also, while Sinitic languages are normally taken to be a prototypical example of the (ideal) isolating morphological type (with virtually no inflection, stable morpheme boundaries, no cumulative exponence, and no allomorphy or suppletion), phenomena of strong reduction of morphemes, blurring of morpheme boundaries and fusion between root and suffix, and nonconcatenative morphology, as well as allomorphy and (proto-)paradigmatic organization of morphology, are attested in some Chinese dialects, mostly concentrated in an area of Northern China (Shaanxi, Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Shandong provinces). Moreover, ‘Altaic-type’ agglutinative morphology, including case marking, is found in Sinitic languages of the so-called Qinghai-Gansu Sprachbund; in this case, the development of agglutination, as well as other typological traits (as SOV word order), is clearly the product of intense and prolonged contact between Northwestern Chinese dialects and Tibetic and Mongolic languages of China. On the other hand, Southern Chinese dialects have developed in closer contact with Hmong-Mien, Tai-Kadai, and Austroasiatic languages, and are thus closer to the typology of Mainland Southeast Asian languages, with a very strong isolating profile.

From topic marker to case marker

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-308
Author(s):  
Dan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Language Model ◽  
Linguistic Community ◽  
Language Family ◽  
Linear Path ◽  
Dative Case ◽  
Case Marker ◽  
The World ◽  
Chinese Dialects ◽  
Sinitic Languages

Abstract The case model of the syncretic case [xa] in the Gansu-Qinghai area came from non-Sinitic languages, while the phonetic form came from Sinitic languages (“Sinitic languages” are usually called “Chinese dialects” in the Chinese linguistic community). The paper shows that this marker [xa] may come from a topic marker and topic chain markers in Sinitic languages. The accusative/dative marker formation was motivated by pragmatic factors. This phenomenon is also found in other languages. The syncretic use of cases is commonplace in languages across the world, whereas the accusative/dative marker [xa] is one of the prominent features in Sinitic languages in the Gansu-Qinghai area. The accusative/dative case formation did not know an even speed in Sinitic languages. It seems that Wutun and Tangwang evolved rapidly while Linxia and Gangou changed with an intermediate rhythm. Qinghai languages are the closest to Tibetic languages, but paradoxically they seem to be more conservative and do not adopt dative markers in possessor and experiencer constructions which are seen overwhelmingly in Tibetic languages. However, other Sinitic languages have adopted this marking progressively and steadily. The language model of the syncretic marker [xa] is not from a single language. Amdo Tibetan as well as Mongolic languages have contributed to the case formation of [xa] in Sinitic languages. This paper proposes that an Intertwining Model helped the spread of case formation in this zone. Languages of one group or of one language family have influenced each other at different periods. The results of case formation we note today constitute a net-like relationships connected to various languages, but not a neat and linear path.

On Covert Exercitives

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Kate McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Social Hierarchy ◽  
Speech Act Theory ◽  
Company Policy

It is familiar from speech act theory how saying so can make it so. When the C.E.O. declares that no more overtime will be approved, for example, the C.E.O. thereby enacts a new company policy; her words effect an immediate change to the norms and policies operative in that company. Clearly, speech can enact facts about what is permissible and the familiar way for speech to do this is via an exercise of speaker authority. In this essay, though, I argue for a different way that speech enacts permissibility facts. Starting in the kinematics (i.e. the mechanics) of conversation, I first argue that conversational contributions routinely enact norms for the very conversation to which they contribute. I then argue that this phenomenon generalizes in a way that illuminates the crucial role of speech in enacting and perpetuating social hierarchy.

scholarly journals What are they saying? A speech act analysis of a vaccination information debate on Facebook

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Bonnici ◽  
Jinxuan Ma
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Speech Act Theory ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Speech Act Analysis

The global resurgence of vaccine preventable diseases is garnering attention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination information debates in a Facebook group give participants access to second-hand knowledge conveying personal experiences. Through the lens of Speech Act Theory, this study analysed discourses on pro-and anti-vaccination perspectives along with views from vaccine hesitant groups. Analysis reveals significant criticism of behaviour around information. Findings indicate provision of substantiating information would play a crucial role in debate within divergent information contexts. Application of Speech Act Theory serves to inform participant communication more intimately and empowers their engagement in polarized discussion.

Verb classes in Horpa

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-290
Author(s):  
Sami Honkasalo
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Verb Classes ◽  
New Material ◽  
Class Assignment ◽  
Previous Scholarship

Abstract Based on argument indexation properties, this paper offers a model of four verb classes for Geshiza and Stau, two closely related and endangered Horpa lects spoken in Sichuan. Despite increased awareness and interest in Horpa, no exhaustive classification of verbs from the viewpoint of argument indexation has been offered. Even though argument indexation itself has been discussed in previous scholarship, the striking diversity of argument indexation patterns has not been addressed. It is shown that both Geshiza and Stau, the two lects chosen as the sample for this study, share the same verb classes, even though the class assignment of individual cognate verbs occasionally varies. The paper also describes how semantic and animacy features inherent in verbs, most prominently compatibility with human S and P arguments resulting in compatibility with speech act participants, play a crucial role in verb class assignment. Establishing a framework for Horpa verb classes helps in the ongoing descriptive work of these languages. In addition, it offers new material for typological studies of argument indexation.

The relevance of prosody and context to the interplay between intensity and politeness. An exploratory study on Italian

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Gili Fivela ◽  
Carla Bazzanella
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Expression ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Linguistic Feature ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
One To One

AbstractThe linguistic feature of intensity, lying “at the heart of social and emotional expression” (Labov 1984: 43), is significantly intertwined with politeness. In relation with intensity (that is, both upgrading and downgrading), the role of context and prosody in modifying and expressing politeness is discussed here in a pragmatic perspective. The complex interplay between intensity, politeness and prosody is explored with reference to several examples related to Italian, showing both the crucial role of prosody in conveying politeness and intensity and the relevance ofHowever, the overall effect of a speech act in terms of politeness is shown to be due to the variegated intertwinement between context, intensity and prosody, which is at play with or without other linguistic forms of politeness and accounts for the lack of a one-to-one correspondence between politeness and single utterance features.

Stuck in the forest

Diachronica ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahé Ben Hamed ◽  
Feng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Word List ◽  
Tree Model ◽  
Parsimony Method ◽  
Resampling Methods ◽  
Maximum Parsimony Method ◽  
Reconstruction Methods ◽  
Branching Patterns ◽  
Chinese Dialects ◽  
Sinitic Languages

This paper discusses the validity of the tree model of evolution for the particular case of Sinitic languages (or Chinese dialects). Our approach is lexically based, using standardized word lists. First, these lists were tested for their congruence, as they are supposed to have evolved at different rates. Then, we undertook a phylogenetic analysis, using both a distance-based lexicostatistical method and a character-based maximum parsimony method. The traditional classification of Chinese dialects is recovered to various extents depending on the method and on the word list used, but the character-based analysis of the 200 Swadesh word list outperforms all other analyses. Finally, the validity of the branching patterns obtained was tested using a variety of techniques. Although the data fits the inferred trees well, the topology of these trees is collapsed to a star-like pattern when investigated through resampling methods. The application of a network method confirms that the development of these Sinitic languages is not tree-like, highlighting the fact that in cases like this tree-reconstruction methods can be misleading.

scholarly journals Towards an Analytical Model in Critical Pragmatics

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fareed Hameed Al-Hindawi ◽  
Wafaa S. Al-Saate
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Model ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Political Discourse ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
The Political ◽  
Analytical Methodology ◽  
Social Actors ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
The Common

Aspects like power, dominance or ideology affect our choice of words in addition to other contextual factors (such as settings, participants and so on). The power we enjoy as social actors or the ideology we adhere to concerning any issue in life may play a crucial role in our language production or interpretation. Issuing a certain speech act rather than another or producing one impolite form rather than a polite one owning to such aspects falls within the realm of critical pragmatics. It is one analytical methodology where critical issues are examined in terms of the pragmatic phenomena to explore how the latter aid in the manifestation of the former. It attempts to answer this question: what are the most common pragmatic phenomena that reveal how racists or sexists pass on their critical ideologies? It aims to develop an analytical model for critical pragmatics and identify the common pragmatic themes utilized. The study is qualitative. It confines itself to the political discourse in the American context. The analysis of the data proves the workability of the model that has been developed by the study. It also shows that various pragmatic phenomena can be utilized to unravel critical issues.

scholarly journals Commissive Pragmatics of Elucidative Speech Acts in Modern English

2018 ◽  
pp. 34-38
Author(s):  
M. Stasiv
Keyword(s):  
Crucial Role ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Mental Activity ◽  
Speech Activity ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Practical Analysis ◽  
British National Corpus ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
National Corpus

Despite a number of studies that deal with the construction of the communicative-and-pragmatic system of the utterances-commissives of different types, today the English elucidative utterances of commissive type and their differentiation into the communicative-and-pragmatic subtypes remain poorly studies and require a thorough analysis at the communicative-and-pragmatic level of their actualization, which explains the relevance of this research. Moreover, the relevance of this issue has been caused by the necessity to clarify the specificity of formation of the commissive speech act in the structure of the analyzed utterance. The object of the study is the English elucidative utterances-commissives. The purpose of this article is to reveal the communicative-and-pragmatic organization of these commissive utterances-acts. The utterances with the key predicates of mental activity, selected from the British National Corpus texts, served as the material of the study. The intent-analysis has been applied for revealing the communicative-and-pragmatic peculiarities of the elucidative utterance of commissive type. The latter has been conducted at different levels – from the pragmemic structure of the key illocutionary predicate to the communicative-and-pragmatic organization of the entire utterance-commissive. This in turn has facilitated the revealing of the micropragmatic and pragmatic parameters of the object of the study. On the basis of the theoretical and practical analysis results the elucidative utterance-commissive is considered as a communicative-and-pragmatic unit of the speech activity aimed at the speaker’s obligative intention realization in the communicative situation of interaction. The results of the study also prove that the commissive pragmatics of the analyzed type of the utterance has been predetermined by the key commissiveness in its principal clause, and its subordinate clause only supplements, specifies it. The key commissiveness of the utterance has been expressed with the key illocutionary predicate in the affirmative form. The latter plays a crucial role in the revealing its commissive pragmatics and the developing an extended communicative-and-pragmatic typology of the elucidative utterances-commissives.

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