Demonstratives and Their Spatial Categories in the Laomudeng Dialect of Nusu
The demonstratives in most languages are generally divided along the horizontal dimension into the proximal and distal or into the proximal,medial and distal,while the demonstratives in the Nusu language in Yunnan not only have the horizontal trichotomy of proximal,medial and distal,but also have the vertical three-part high-level-low division.In terms of grammatical functions,the demonstratives of Laomudeng Nusu not only serve as demonstrative determiners,but also have the derived syntactic functions of demonstrative pronouns.Some demonstratives can indicate both singular and plural reference,and are even homonymic with classifiers.In terms of means of realization,the demonstratives of Laomudeng Nusu not only express the spatial category by means of phonological alternation,but also show a certain sequence of spatial difference by means of metaphor or generalization mechanism.The complex demonstrative system of Laomudeng Nusu is closely related to the natural environment of the Nu people as well as the directions of mountains and rivers,showing certain spatiality,continuity and iconicity and having a unique spatio-temporal cognitive background.
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