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Linglib.Fragments.Cantonese.Definiteness

Cantonese Definiteness Fragment #

[CS99b] [Jen18]

Cantonese (ISO yue, Sinitic). [Jen18] (§6) analyzes the bare classifier phrase [Clf-N] as an ambiguous definite, used in both unique and anaphoric environments like English the — the [Clf-N]-as-definite observation is [CS99b]'s. Indefinites are [jat-Clf-N] (numeral + classifier); demonstratives are a separate paradigm. The declared determiner set derives the [Mor21] .generallyMarked cell, contrasting with Mandarin's .markedAnaphoric (theoremed in Studies/Jenks2018.lean).

source
def Cantonese.Definiteness.determiners :
List Determiner.Entry

Cantonese's determiner inventory: a syncretic [Clf-N] definite Article spanning both unique and anaphoric uses, a numeral-classifier indefinite Article, and a demonstrative paradigm. The indefinite is a first-class Article (exponed by the numeral-classifier construction), not an absent hasIndefinite.

Equations
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Instances For
    source
    theorem Cantonese.Definiteness.marking :
    Determiner.markingStrategy determiners = Features.Definiteness.DefMarkingStrategy.generallyMarked

    Cantonese's determiner set derives the .generallyMarked strategy ([Jen18] Table 2): one definite form (the classifier phrase) covers both presupposition types.