Search results for "Finiteness"
showing 10 items of 12 documents
Numeral classifiers in East Asia
2017
AbstractThe understanding of the functional range of numeral classifiers requires a combined effort from different theoretical approaches and the integration of findings from syntax, semantics and pragmatics. This article demonstrates how such an integrative perspective creates new insights into classifiers in Sinitic languages in the fields of counting and word order, the expression of definiteness and indefiniteness and the syntax of verbal classification.
Classifiers in Sinitic languages: From individuation to definiteness-marking
2012
Abstract This article examines the distribution and interpretation of the bare classifier phrase [Cl+N] in three Sinitic languages of Mandarin, Wu and Cantonese. We show that [Cl+N] can be interpreted as definite or indefinite depending on pragmatic factors related to information structure and word order. Syntactically, we claim that indefinite [Cl+N] has the maximal projection of ClP and that definite [Cl+N] is a DP, where the D head is filled by the classifier via Cl-to-D raising. Semantically, we claim that indefinite [Cl+N] is predicative, denoting sets of atomic entities and that definite [Cl+N] is derived from indefinite [Cl+N] by lifting it from predicates to Generalized Quantifiers.…
The Role of Prominence Information in the Real-Time Comprehension of Transitive Constructions: A Cross-Linguistic Approach
2008
Approaches to language processing have traditionally been formulated with reference to general cognitive concepts (e.g. working memory limitations) or have based their representational assumptions on concepts from generative linguistic theory (e.g. structure determines interpretation). Thus, many well-established generalisations about language that have emerged from cross-linguistic/typological research have not as yet had a major influence in shaping ideas about online processing. Here, we examine the viability of using typologically motivated concepts to account for phenomena in online language comprehension. In particular, we focus on the comprehension of simple transitive sentences (i.e…
Non-accumulation of critical points of the Poincaré time on hyperbolic polycycles
2007
We call Poincare time the time associated to the Poincar6 (or first return) map of a vector field. In this paper we prove the non-accumulation of isolated critical points of the Poincare time T on hyperbolic polycycles of polynomial vector fields. The result is obtained by proving that the Poincare time of a hyperbolic polycycle either has an unbounded principal part or is an almost regular function. The result relies heavily on the proof of Il'yashenko's theorem on non-accumulation of limit cycles on hyperbolic polycycles.
Definiteness Marking Shows Late Effects during Discourse Processing: Evidence from ERPs
2009
This paper investigates the processing of indefinite and definite noun phrases in discourse. It presents data from an Event-Related brain Potential (ERP) study that contrasted definite and indefinite noun phrases following three distinct context sentences. The data suggest that coherence considerations influence early processing stages, while morphological definiteness features only affect later stages during reference resolution. In addition, the processing of a definite determiner (prior to encountering the subsequent noun) exerts processing demands, supporting the functional contribution of definiteness marking. Supplementary data from a plausibility questionnaire and two completion stud…
A hierarchy of simplified constitutive models within isotropic strain gradient elasticity
2017
Abstract Simplified isotropic models of strain gradient elasticity are presented, based on the mutual relationship between the inherent (dual) gradient directions (i.e. the gradient direction of any strain gradient source and the lever arm direction of the promoted double stress). A class of gradient-symmetric materials featured by gradient directions obeying a reciprocity relation and by 4 independent h.o. (higher order) coefficients is envisioned, along with the sub-classes of hemi-collinear materials (3 h.o. coefficients, gradient directions in part coincident), collinear materials (2 h.o. coefficients, equal gradient directions) and micro-affine materials (1 h.o. coefficient, behavioral…
Recensione a G. Palumbo, "Finitezza e crisi del senso"
2015
A review fo G. Palumbo's "Finitezza e crisi del senso". A volume about the impact of Levinas' philosophy in contemporary notion of finiteness
Context and topic marking affect distinct processes during discourse comprehension in Japanese
2011
Abstract In languages like English or German, definite and indefinite markers serve to distinguish given/old from new information in the discourse model. Japanese, in contrast, lacks definiteness markers, but has a topic marker. The present paper examines how the information status of a noun phrase (NP) in Japanese is represented and integrated into the discourse model. An ERP experiment investigated the processing of topic-marked and non-topic-marked NPs following three different context sentences (making available a given, inferred, or new reading). The results revealed an increase in the N400 as a function of contextual cueing, i.e. the less accessible a referential expression is in the …
Problems with primary vs. secondary grammaticalization: the case of East and mainland Southeast Asian languages
2015
Abstract The present paper aims at testing four criteria for the distinction between primary vs. secondary grammaticalization in East and mainland Southeast Asian languages. These languages are of special interest for research on grammaticalization because they show limitations in the coevolution of meaning and form and because pragmatic inference is very prominent (lack of obligatory grammatical markers, multifunctionality). If the four criteria work in these languages, this can be taken as a good indicator for their cross-linguistic, maybe universal relevance. The criteria are tested with three markers that stand for three different types of multifunctionality: (i) the Khmer verb baːn ‘co…
An Online Metric Learning Approach through Margin Maximization
2011
This work introduces a method based on learning similarity measures between pairs of objects in any representation space that allows to develop convenient recognition algorithms. The problem is formulated through margin maximization over distance values so that it can discriminate between similar (intra-class) and dissimilar (inter-class) elements without enforcing positive definiteness of the metric matrix as in most competing approaches. A passive-aggressive approach has been adopted to carry out the corresponding optimization procedure. The proposed approach has been empirically compared to state of the art metric learning on several publicly available databases showing its potential bot…