Numeral Classifiers in the Austronesian Languages of Taiwan
What is it about?
This paper is a typological exploration of the nominal classification systems found in the Austronesian languages of Taiwan, with special focus on their meanings, forms and functions within the Austronesian typological context.
Why is it important?
Ross (forthcoming) reconstructs numeral classifiers to the Proto-Austronesian level. The presence of numeral classifiers across the Austronesian languages of Taiwan demonstrates their relative antiquity in the family in agreement with Ross’ reconstruction. Six Austronesian languages of Taiwan are examined in this paper, including Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saaroa, Saisiyat, and Tsou. Among these languages, Paiwan has a relatively large genuine classifier system consisting of sortal classifiers and mensural classifiers. Puyuma, Rukai, and Saaroa have a small classifier system, with sortal classifiers found only. Saisiyat and Tsou do not have a genuine classifier system, though a number of verbal action classifiers and measure words are found.