Classifiers in nDrapa: Definition and Categorization

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated nDrapa classifiers according to nominalization theory. First, based on Shibatani’s (2021a) definition of classifiers, I defined nDrapa classifiers as a class of words that can follow a numeral to nominalize it and categorize the numeral-based nominalization. On one hand, the definition distinguishes classifiers and other categories of words; on the other hand, it allows us to examine various aspects of classifiers consistently. Next, in three semantic categories—[i] individual, [ii] collective, and [iii] mensural—I examined properties of frequently used classifiers. Characteristically, both the default individual classifier ji and the proper human classifier zja are used for the number of humans. This is probably a feature of the northern regions of the Qiangic language area. Possible etyma of the classifiers include borrowing and grammaticalization of content words, although detailed study of their historical development remains for future reserch. Finally, I examined the grammaticalization process in contrast with compounds and verbal nouns, which in previous studies were regarded as a type of classifier. I concluded that they are different constructions synchronically, but they shared common features of origin in the grammaticalization process.