Publisher's Synopsis
This study presents a variety of issues in Mandarin Chinese morphology. First, it addresses the issue of what constitutes a Mandarin "word". Then, it presents phonological and morph phonological processes involving all three dimensions of Mandarin word structure, i.e., syllable, tone, and character. Preface; This research study makes important contributions to the field of Chinese linguistics. It focuses on the application of contemporary linguistic theories and practices in the analysis of Mandarin Chinese word structure. It dispels the misconception that Mandarin word structure is simple, and presents convincing arguments that various characteristics of Mandarin word formation are similar to those of inflectional languages such as English and various Indo-European languages. In addition, it shows features that are unique to Mandarin and ventures into the rarely explored areas of Mandarin linguistic analysis. Specifically, the study investigates the relationship between Mandarin characters, syllables, and words. It provides a rationale for determining whether an element or string in a given context is considered a word from the perspective of linguistic analysis.;It shows that tone change, syllable restructuring, affixation, and compounding all play important roles in Mandarin word formation. This study also points out the obscure boundary between morphology and syntax and provides examples of incorporation in various grammatical categories. Teachers, students, and scholars who study Mandarin word structure will find this monograph an excellent resource. Not only is this work of considerable theoretical value, but it is also of significant relevance to applied linguistics in the context of language teaching and learning. Yong Ho, Ph.D.
