ABSTRACT

In this study, I revisit the linguistic properties of wan ‘finish/complete’ in Chinese and provide a syntactic account. I demonstrate that wan is undergoing a process of grammaticalization from being a lexical item to a functional one. I also argue that because of this process, wan is found in different places in syntax. As a main predicate, it is projected in the head of the VP; in contrast, while functioning as a telic morpheme, it is in the head of the Inner Aspect Phrase between the vP and VP. This study sheds light on the Chinese aspectual system and suggests that Chinese uses at least two different mechanisms to mark telicity: resultative complements and overt telic morphemes.

摘要

在这项研究中，我重新审视了中文wan 'finish/complete' 的语言特性，并提供了句法说明。我证明wan正在经历一个从词项到功能项的语法化过程。我还认为，由于这个过程，wan在语法中的不同位置出现。作为主要谓词，它被投射在 VP 的头部；相比之下，它作为一个 telic 语素，位于v P 和 VP 之间的 Inner Aspect Phrase 的头部。这项研究揭示了汉语的体位系统，并表明汉语至少使用两种不同的机制来标记 telicity：结果补语和明显的 telic 语素。