Numeral Classifiers in Ersu

Abstract

This paper analyzes the numeral classifier system in Ersu, a previously under-documented Tibeto-Burman language spoken in Sichuan Province, China. Ersu numeral classifiers obligatorily follow a numeral in the context of counting. The language has a rich set of numeral classifiers, including sortal classifiers, mensural classifiers, time classifiers and repeaters. Their functional range involves individualization, classification, referentialization and emphasis. The paper concludes that Ersu not only shares common features with other Tibeto-Burman languages in this area, but also has some unique typological characteristics.

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