<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

In Mandarin, if two-degree wh-question-like clauses are combined, the wh-phrases do not have a question reading. This paper argues that such a paired-wh declarative is an equative comparison construction, like the <italic>as</italic>…<italic>as</italic> equative in English, and the first clause denotes the standard of the comparison. Such declaratives, like a degree comparison construction, are derived by the occurrence of a comparison quantifier, and predicate abstraction applies to each clause. The paired wh-forms are the variables. This research shows that Mandarin does have degree quantificational comparison constructions, and it is possible for both clauses of a comparison construction to have a wh-form.
</abstract>

Pairing Degree-WH Clauses in Mandarin

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The traditional observation that Chinese <italic>wh</italic>-arguments do not exhibit <italic>wh</italic>-island effects may be only apparent. With new evidence from “how-many” phrases, it is demonstrated that Chinese has <italic>wh</italic>-island effects even with <italic>wh</italic>-arguments. What nullifies such effects is in fact the disguise of D-linkedness. Although the lack of <italic>wh</italic>-island effects seems to pattern Chinese <italic>wh</italic>-construals with Japanese ones, further tests show that these two languages are still different with respect to strong island effects, (anti-)crossing effects, and multiple <italic>wh</italic>-interpretations. The finding leads to the need to reinvestigate the mechanisms underlying the scope-taking <italic>wh-</italic>elements of <italic>wh</italic>-in-situ languages on the one hand, and those triggering <italic>wh</italic>-island effects on the other.
</abstract>

Rethinking <italic>Wh</italic>-island Effects in Chinese

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Both sentential final particles (SFPs) and high modals commonly convey the speakers’ knowledge of the world, their judgments, intentions, and subjective attitudes. This paper aims to explore the correlations between high modals and sentence-final particles in Mandarin Chinese (MC). Specifically, two high modals of MC show the behavior of being unable to precede the subject and eliminating their epistemic reading in the presence of SFPs. The phenomenon discussed in this paper is specifically exemplified with <italic>yinggai</italic> ‘should’ and <italic>keneng</italic> ‘be likely to’ in MC. We give an analysis about which modals and SFPs are interlaced in terms of their scope positions, so as to explain the phenomena.
</abstract>

The Interaction Between Modals and SFPs in Mandarin Chinese: A Cartographic Approach

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Studies in Chinese Linguistics

 STUDIES IN CHINESE LINGUISTICS (ISSN 1017-1274) is an international academic journal devoted to comparative study of Chinese language and linguistics and a platform for research of comparative linguistics and dialectal grammar under a comparative approach. It was first published in 1980 by T.T. Ng Chinese Language Research Centre (CLRC) of the Institute of Chinese Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The journal is edited by CLRC, published and distributed by Sciendo (formerly De Gruyter Open) since 2015, with a single volume yearly containing two issues, three articles in each issue on average. We especially welcome synchronic or diachronic comparative works on any aspects of the syntax, semantics, and morphology among Chinese dialects or between a Chinese language/dialect and any languages that contribute to theoretical linguistics or have significant theoretical implications.  The journal does not have article processing charges (APCs) nor article submission charges.  Rejection Rate   64%   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 

Studies in Chinese Linguistics

Volume 42 (2021): Issue 2 (December 2021)

Pairing Degree-WH Clauses in Mandarin

Rethinking Wh-island Effects in Chinese

The Interaction Between Modals and SFPs in Mandarin Chinese: A Cartographic Approach

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