Degree Modification in Mandarin: A Case Study of Creative Degree Modifier 各種 Gezhong

摘要

This paper aims to investigate degree modification in Mandarin through the case of creative degree modifier 各種 [gezhong] (all kinds of; very). We provide a theoretical analysis following the Generative Lexicon Theory and show that 各種 [gezhong] not only selects gradable adjectival predicates but also restricts the possible combinations as well as interpretation by means of qualia structure. The restrictions of the modification in turn reflect the pragmatic function of 各種 [gezhong], and mark the distinction between traditional degree modifiers and the creative one.