关键词: 分布式形态学, “化”, -ize, 汉英比较

Abstract:

This paper adopts the framework of Distributed Morphology to investigate the nature and function of Mandarin hua (化) and compare it with the English suffx -ize. A brief survey on the historical change of hua is frst provided. And then it is claimed that hua represents four morphemes: two roots and two verbalizers. Distributional criteria are given to distinguish the roots from the verbalizers. The distinction between the two roots is made based on the verbs they realize: one root forms unaccusatives whereas the other forms causatives. It is argued that the two verbalizers combine with either monosyllabic roots or di/tri/multi-syllabic words to generate verbs. The reasons to distinguish the two verbalizers are that one generates causative verbs whereas the other generates unaccusative verbs, and that they have different semantics in verb formation. Based on the conclusions about hua drawn in this paper and about -ize made in the literature, it is pointed out that hua and -ize share a lot in common: both can be verbalizers, both merge with the same kinds of elements, and both have inchoative (become X) and causative (cause to become X) semantics. The main difference is that hua can also be a root whereas -ize cannot. The difference has to do with the typological difference in word formation between the two languages.