This essay analyzes the history and usage of degree modifiers and comparative constructions in Q’eqchi’ (Maya). It focuses on the role of mas (< Sp. más) and the function of the modern comparative construction (long thought to be a calque of its Spanish equivalent). In contrast to previous analyses, it shows that Q’eqchi’ mas does not function as a comparative (unlike Spanish más), but rather as a degree modifier, indefinite quantity, and differential operator (like Spanish muy and mucho). It shows that the comparative construction doesn’t require mas, but only the positive form of a gradable predicate, along with the adposition chiru (before, in the face of) to mark the standard. It shows that mas came into Q’eqchi’ during the late 1800s and seems to have functioned this way from the beginning. And it offers reasons for this shift in meaning, and its frequent misanalysis by linguists.

中文翻译：

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Mas (< sp. Más) 在 Q'eqchi' 中的作用：玛雅语言中的比较和程度

本文分析了Q'eqchi'（玛雅）中度修饰语和比较结构的历史和用法。它侧重于 mas (< Sp. más) 的作用和现代比较结构的功能（长期以来被认为是其西班牙语等价物的 calque）。与之前的分析相反，它表明 Q'eqchi' mas 不用作比较级（与西班牙语 más 不同），而是用作程度修饰符、不定数量和微分运算符（如西班牙语 muy 和 mucho）。它表明比较结构不需要 mas，而只需要可分级谓词的肯定形式，以及标记标准的副词 chiru（之前，面对）。它表明 mas 在 1800 年代后期进入 Q'eqchi'，并且似乎从一开始就以这种方式运作。它为这种意义的转变提供了理由，