An HPSG approach to Chinese syllable structure and tone sandhi
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Chunlei Yang [1] ; Jeroen van de Weijer [2]
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[1] Shanghai International Studies University
Shanghai International Studies University
China
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[2] Shenzhen University
Shenzhen University
China
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- Localización: Lingua: International review of general linguistics, ISSN 0024-3841, Nº 258, 2021
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
In Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG), the phonological module has been strikingly underinvestigated compared to other parts of the grammar. To remedy this situation, the aims of this study are both theoretical and empirical. We employ revised Typed Feature Structures (TFSs) to describe a number of phonological structures in Mandarin Chinese, mostly concerned with syllable structure and tone, based on the X-bar approach to the syllable structure of Mandarin (van de Weijer, 2012, van de Weijer and Zhang, 2008, Zhang, 2008). Specifically, we integrate tone features in the HPSG framework, and analyze tone sandhi (TS) by way of TFSs and constraints. We demonstrate that the enriched definitions and constraints using TFSs in phonology, like in morphology and syntax in HPSG, can successfully capture the relevant phonological generalizations and are therefore a step on the way toward a more comprehensive HPSG account of Mandarin grammar, illustrating its advantages such as simplicity, constructional consistency, modularity and facilitating interface description.
