Re-investigating the classification of definite CL-NP constructions in Chinese dialect: An empirical study based on semantic maps

Abstract

This study aims to assess the fitness of the “quasi-article/quasi-demonstrative” framework for classifying definite classifiers in varieties of Chinese. Taking the Suzhou (Wu) variety of Chinese as our target, we utilize an approach of the Probabilistic Semantic Maps within a trilingual parallel corpus (English-Mandarin-Suzhou Wu). Contrary to the earlier understanding that only one type of definite classifiers exists in Suzhou, functioning exclusively either as definite articles or demonstratives in English, our research indicates the presence of two distinct types. Additionally, it appears that these two types are not aptly categorized under the “quasi-article/quasi-demonstrative” framework. Our results indicate no distinct association between the choice of classifiers for expressing identifiability in Suzhou and the one of utilizing definite articles or demonstratives in English. The observed discrepancies suggest a reconsideration of current assumptions due to the limited similarities between English grammatical categories of definiteness and varieties of Chinese definite expressions. Consequently, this study advocates that grammatical categories should be established within a particular language, rather than relying on external theoretical frameworks of other languages.