On the syntax of classifiers

This dissertation explores the internal structure of noun phrases within the framework of the Minimalist Program (Chomsky 1993, 1995). A primary focus is the syntax of classifiers. Whereas previous studies regarded classifiers as merely a supplemental device to introduce numerals, the present investigation demonstrates that classifiers play a key role in determining the interpretation of noun phrases with respect to the count/mass distinction, specificity, the weak/strong distinction, and the interpretation of adjectives. It is further demonstrated that this is the case not only in classifier languages, but also in non-classifier languages.; The argument of the present thesis builds on the foundation of the syntax of Integrals as developed by Hornstein, Rosen and Uriagereka (1994), and Uriagereka (1993, 1995), which in turn was based on the analyses of Benveniste (1971/1966), Kayne (1993) and Szabolcsi (1983). The validity of this foundation is demonstrated by identifying two types of existentials in Japanese, adducing evidence for such distinction from their differing syntactic behaviors.; Going beyond the traditional dichotomy of count nouns versus mass nouns, the dissertation proposes a ‘three-dimensional’ view of nominal expressions: abstract, mass and count expressions are held to be of different dimensionality, having hierarchically different internal structures. Such dimensionality is built in the form of the Integral small clause. It is claimed that a classifier's contribution is to give a linguistic form to an already materialized, but formless, mental space. By obtaining a form, a mass term is individuated so as to be countable.; Based on the behavior of classifiers, it is argued that the specific/non-specific distinction (Enç 1991) resides in the architecture of noun phrases. The noun phrase structures proposed also reflect the weak/strong distinction (Milsark 1974, 1977). It is further argued that specific indefinites are distinct from strong and weak noun phrases. The interaction of classifiers with adjectives is also examined. Classifiers are claimed to affect restrictive/non-restrictive interpretations, as well as the scope of adjectives, by virtue of their contrastive function. The strict ordering of adjectives is shown to be a natural consequence of the hierarchy of nominal expressions.