Measurement and optional classifiers in Mandarin Chinese

Abstract This paper presents a compositional analysis of the fact that Mandarin individuating classifiers are systematically optional in various degree constructions (see also Lin & Schaeffer 2018 for experimental evidence), by taking mixed approach incorporating insights from Chierchia ( 1998 ; 2010 ) nouns denote kind terms and offer level individuation those Krifka (1995) (bare) numerals do not encode cardinality function. By considering as (e.g., Hackl 2001 Nouwen Rett 2014 Kennedy 2015 , among many others), advocated here embraces hypothesis locus variation between English lies neither semantics nor numerals, but measure operators: these linguistic elements (including sortal/individuating classifiers) necessary to mediate avoid semantic type-mismatch. The proposed only explains role (i.e., their syntactic optionality, along with dimension comparison), closely connects Bale Barner’s (2009) idea about quantity judgments comparative can be used reliable diagnostic mass-count distinction natural languages beyond English. Specifically, unclassified allow both non-cardinality monotonic dimensions variety based on indicates they neutral; tentative neutrality is thus suggested. Some factors leading discussed.