殷商汉语数量表达研究 --兼论汉语个体量词的来源

Abstract

In Shang Chinese there are four forms of numerical expressions: (a) numeral + noun; (b) noun + numeral; (c) noun (ⅰ) + numeral + noun (ⅱ) (two different nouns in sequence); (d) noun (ⅰ) + numeral + noun (ⅰ') (two identical nouns in sequence). Some scholars argue that the noun components following numerals in forms (c) and (d) are individual classifiers (or their embryonic forms). Through an examination of numerical expressions in Shang oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions, this paper suggests that these components may not necessarily be genuine individual classifiers (or their embryonic forms).