跨语言视角下测量基准的分裂与测量结构的生成

The split of measurement standards and the derivation of measurement constructions: A cross-linguistic perspective

英语等语言中的绝对测量结构一般只允许正向形容词,但在德语中出现了系统性反例。这一跨语言差异可以归结为两个功能核心词EVAL(评价性)与MEAS(测量性)之间的相互作用。MEAS引入零点基准,而EVAL引入评价基准,它们的实现受制于经济性原则:只有在MEAS不起作用的时候,EVAL才可以作为最后策略发生作用。EVAL具有明显的个体语言差异性:EVAL和MEAS的组配不适用于英语,但适用于德语。这一"测量基准的分裂假设"不但可以对测量结构中正/负向形容词分布的跨语言差异做出更准确的预测和更合理的解释,还能加深我们对跨语言变异机制的了解。

It is generally assumed that negative adjectives are prohibited in absolute measurement constructions,yet counterexamples are found in some languages in certain circumstances,such as German. This paper investigates this unexpected phenomenon from a cross-linguistic perspective. It is proposed that this cross-linguistic variation can be attributed to the split of measurement standards,EVAL vs. MEAS. MEAS introduces a zero standard,while EVAL is related to an evaluative standard. EVAL is activated as a last resort when MEAS fails to apply. Furthermore,the combination of EVAL + MEAS is applicable to German,but only MEAS is at play in English. This economy-based analysis provides a more motivated account of the distribution of negative adjectives in measurement constructions across languages.