Chapter 6. Contact-induced reduction, loss, and emergence of numeral classifiers

Abstract

This paper examines contact-induced change in numeral classifier systems based on two case studies of East Asian languages. Study 1 investigates contact-induced loss and emergence of numeral classifiers in different languages of the Amdo Sprachbund, where Sinitic languages are engaged in a long-term history of contact with Mongolic, Turkic and Tibetic languages. Study 2 focuses on loss of numeral classifiers as a result of language attrition, as testified by the isolate language Nivkh under the pressure of the dominant language Russian. The data discussed in the paper are based on fieldwork as well as on secondary sources. We discuss the patterns of language change that foster the reduction, loss and emergence of numeral classifiers and the different socio-historical scenarios where these developments occur. A general discussion and a tentative comparison with contact-induced change in the domain of grammatical gender, another type of nominal classification strategy, conclude the paper.