On the syntax of wan ‘finish/complete’ in Mandarin Chinese

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, I revisit the linguistic properties of wan ‘finish/complete’ in Chinese and provide a syntactic account. I demonstrate that wan is undergoing a process of grammaticalization from being a lexical item to a functional one. I also argue that because of this process, wan is found in different places in syntax. As a main predicate, it is projected in the head of the VP; in contrast, while functioning as a telic morpheme, it is in the head of the Inner Aspect Phrase between the vP and VP. This study sheds light on the Chinese aspectual system and suggests that Chinese uses at least two different mechanisms to mark telicity: resultative complements and overt telic morphemes.