"This two-volume work examines the widespread phenomenon of linguistic asymmetry, with special attention to Chinese grammar and lexicon, from the perspective of markedness. The book illustrates how asymmetric patterns emerge in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, integrating descriptive and explanatory methods to uncover underlying principles. It combines synchronic and diachronic analyses, placing Chinese within a global linguistic framework. Emphasizing functional aspects, it explores the links between language, communication, cognition and semantics. Volume 1 highlights asymmetries in affirmation and negation, and Volume 2 focuses on the interplay between form and meaning. This set is intended for linguists, language educators, and anyone interested in the structure and function of language. It will be especially valuable to scholars and students working in Chinese linguistics, markedness theory and cross-language comparative studies"-- Provided by publisher.
This second volume examines asymmetry in language by focusing on how linguistic form and meaning align or diverge.
Building on the concepts introduced in Volume 1, this volume analyzes symmetry and asymmetry in form-meaning relations using examples from antonym pairs, subject-object contrasts, and the markedness patterns of adjectives. It integrates several linguistic levels, emphasizing how functional and cognitive factors drive these phenomena. The concluding discussion posits that asymmetry persists as a core feature of language, whereas symmetry is conditional and transient.
This volume will appeal to linguists, language educators, and anyone seeking deeper insights into linguistic structure and function, particularly in Chinese linguistics, markedness research, and comparative language studies.
This second volume examines asymmetry in language by focusing on how linguistic form and meaning align or diverge.
