Resumen de So-called collective numerals in Polish (in comparison with Russian)
This paper deals with Polish numeral forms of the type "piecioro" and conditions for using them. The problem in question (as in Russian) is how to interpret them: either as forms of especial ("colective") lexemes or as members of homogeneous lexemes (cardinal numerals). The author shows that these forms have basically the same meaning as cardinal numerals: they express plurality when certain nouns require them, and secondarily have the additional facultative meaning of a group of people containing both sexes. The basic function of the opposition "piecioro : piec" is similar to distinguishing genders on the basis of the subordinated word forms. The contrast with other gender forms is not very sharp (many unclear cases are shown), but the kernel of the neuter subgender defined by obligatory use of "piecioro" forms contains one noun (dziecko "child") that is very frequently used with numeral forms.
