Wen-yu Huang Chinese classifier categorizations and the application to second language acquisition By Wen-yu Huang Leiden University July 2017 I Wen-yu Huang Abstract Chinese classifier categorizations and the application to second language acquisition Wen-Yu Huang, M.A. Supervising Professor: Dr. R.P.E. Sybesma Mandarin Chinese is usually considered a numeral classifier language (Del Gobbo, 2014). According to Allan’s (1977) definition, a numeral classifier is an independent morpheme that “denotes some salient perceived or imputed characteristic of the entity to which the associated noun refers” (p. 285). The present study first constructs a categorization of Chinese classifiers, and second, an investigation in the acquisition of Chinese Classifiers for L2 learners. To construct the categorization of Chinese classifiers, I will first provide an overview of the categorizations of Chinese classifiers from previous studies and discuss the primary features of the categorizations provided by Chinese and Western scholars. In general, there is no distinction between measure words and classifiers in the categorizations given by Chinese scholars, while most of the Western categorizations do make the distinction. However, the classifiers that are discussed by Western scholars only represent part of a large system of Chinese classifiers. Based on current categorizations, a revised categorization focusing on Chinese classifiers is carried out. The second part is to explore the acquisition of Chinese Classifiers for L2 learners with the goal of providing some suggestions on teaching and learning Chinese Classifiers that potentially benefits both L2 learners and teachers. First, I will illustrate previous studies of Chinese CLs acquisition for L2 learners in which the difficulties in learning Chinese CLs for L2 learners will also be displayed. Secondly, I will discuss current teaching materials and methods of Chinese CLs. Finally, the revised categorization will be applied in order to propose a more effective approach in teaching and learning Chinese classifiers before the conclusion is addressed. II Wen-yu Huang Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... II List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................... III Part 1. ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1. Introduction of Chinese classifiers ........................................................................................ 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Definition of classifier .................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Chinese classifiers .......................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Classifiers and measure words ...................................................................................................... 2 1.4 Diagnostics..................................................................................................................................... 3 1.4.1 Adjective modification............................................................................................................ 4 1.4.2 De insertion ............................................................................................................................ 5 1.4.3 Ge replacement ...................................................................................................................... 6 1.4.4 Mathematical approach ......................................................................................................... 6 1.4.5 Essential and accidental features ........................................................................................... 7 1.5 Ambiguity between classifiers and measure words ...................................................................... 7 Chapter 2. Literature review ................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Chinese scholars ............................................................................................................................ 8 2.1.1 Yuen Ren Chao (1968) ............................................................................................................ 9 2.1.2 Liu, Pan & Gu (1996) ............................................................................................................. 13 2.1.3 He (2000) .............................................................................................................................. 16 2.2 Western scholars ......................................................................................................................... 19 2.2.1 Allan (1977) .......................................................................................................................... 19 2.2.2 Tai (1994) .............................................................................................................................. 21 2.2.3 Gao and Malt (2009) ............................................................................................................. 24 Chapter 3. An innovative approach to Chinese classifiers categorization ............................................ 27 3.1 Approach ..................................................................................................................................... 29 3.2 Subject: Frequently used classifiers ............................................................................................ 29 3.2.1 Gao and Malt (2009) ............................................................................................................. 30 3.3 Chinese classifiers categorization ................................................................................................ 33 3.4 The use of Ge ............................................................................................................................... 37 3.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 38 Part 2. .................................................................................................................................................... 40 I Wen-yu Huang Chapter 4. Second language acquisition of Chinese classifiers ............................................................. 40 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 40 4.1 Literature review ......................................................................................................................... 40 4.1.1 The differences in learning various dimensional Chinese classifiers ................................... 41 4.1.2 Common mistakes in using Chinese classifiers .................................................................... 41 4.2 Current teaching approaches ...................................................................................................... 42 4.3 Representing teaching material .................................................................................................. 45 Chapter 5. Suggestions .......................................................................................................................... 48 5.1 Arrange appropriate teaching order ........................................................................................... 48 5.2 Apply the CL categorization ......................................................................................................... 48 5.3 Be aware of learners’ language background ............................................................................... 49 5.4 Communicative competence ....................................................................................................... 49 Part 3. .................................................................................................................................................... 51 Chapter 6. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 51 6.1 Summary...................................................................................................................................... 51 6.2 Limitations ................................................................................................................................... 51 6.3 Future studies .............................................................................................................................. 52 References ............................................................................................................................................. 54 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................ 57 Appendix A. The list of familiar Chinese individual classifiers by Gao and Malt .............................. 57