Scalarity, degree reading and maximality in a Mandarin numeral construction

Abstract This paper investigates the semantics of an understudied Mandarin numeral construction type, here dubbed da -NumPs (i.e. number word < ‘big’ noun). Drawing primarily upon evidence from online corpora, we argue for a taxonomy this that comprises two distinct interpretations, based on scalarity morpheme and its composition with other constituents within construction. Specifically, one reading is degree superlative reading, in which relates domain comparison, denoted by nominal argument, to plural group entities ranked along upper bound contextually determined scale. Second, have definite description behaves par maximality-denoting iota operator, such refers maximal individual satisfies property argument. We further show at discourse level, both readings encode way speaker subjectively construes situation being described, indicating speaker’s evaluative attitude towards significance said situation. pragmatic condition distinguishes use against alternative, truth-conditionally identical types. propose cases where component includes process intensification enables verify same as licensed under semantics. provides make sense systematic ambiguity available -NumPs, allows us capture polysemy.