This paper elucidates the semantic evolution pattern from"motion"to"causing...to possess"in ancient Chinese.Some verbs encoding motion,such as jìn(进),rù(入),shàng(上),chuán(传),shū(输),have developed the meaning of"causing...to possess"through metaphorical mechanism.The semantic elements encoded by motion verbs can influence the semantic development of the verbs.The encoding of the[Path]element is a necessary condition for motion verbs to develop the meaning of"causing...to possess",with most verbs that acquire the meaning of"causing...to possess"being categorized as"pure path verbs".On the other hand,the encoding of the[Manner]element restricts the emergence of the meaning of"causing...to possess".When verbs containing[Manner]element acquire the meaning of"causing to have",their[Manner]semantics are dissolved.For instance,when the verb tóu(投)expresses the meaning of"sending",it no longer encompasses the[Manner]information of"applying force to an object with hands"and the thematic movement described as"parabolic,rapid".
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