基于类型转换的英汉光杆名词语义研究

A Type-shifting-based Analysis of Bare NPs in English and Chinese

文章在形式语义学的框架下解释英汉光杆名词的各种解读。由于在语义上既非单数也非复数,带复数标记的英语光杆名词本质上指称种类,并由种类通过类型转换派生出表层解读。此外,文章证明类型转换应该受到局部性原则的限制,该原则规定每一次类型转换都必须有独立的理据,或者是因为有类型转换触发成分相邻,或者能解决类型冲突。局部性原则意味着汉语光杆名词的基本指称为性质。最后,修正了Carlson的“操作R”,使得个体性谓词的光杆名词论元也可以获得存在解读,并解释了为何创造性动词的光杆名词宾语不能获得存在解读。

Based on the number-neutrality of bare NPs, this paper assumes that bare NPs have a single reference, from which the various readings of them are derived. The paper further proves that type-shifting should be constrained by the locality principle rather than the economy principle. The locality principle stipulates that type-shifting should be triggered by explicit operators or lead to interpretable forms. From this principle, it follows that bare NPs basically refer to properties in Chinese. Finally the paper modifies Carlson’s Operation R, so that individual-level predicates allow existential bare NP arguments. The novel Operation R could explain why the objects of creativity verbs cannot receive existential reading.