1. Expressivity as the trigger of language change --- A study on Chinese degree intensifier Emmie Li National Tsing Hua University De Lin Institute of Technology

2. Motivations of Morphological Changes Language acquisition (Anderson1973, Chomsky 1981, Lightfoot 1989) Language acquisition (Anderson1973, Chomsky 1981, Lightfoot 1989) Language contact (Sapir 1921, Bynon 1977, Hock 1991) Language contact (Sapir 1921, Bynon 1977, Hock 1991) Speech Function (Langacker 1977, Haiman 1983) Speech Function (Langacker 1977, Haiman 1983)

3. Changes Motivated by Speech Function It occurs when the speakers are searching ways to maximize the informativeness of communication. Changes in meaning The speakers are trying to “integrate new information with information that is already accessible.” (Blakemore 1990) Changes in function Speakers are always in searching new and innovative ways of intensifying things to enhance expressivity. 1. Semantic Extension (Lichtenberk 1991) 2. Bleaching (Hopper & Traugott 1993) word original meaning new meaning word original meaning new meaning

4. Changes Motivated by Speech Function Changes in meaning Changes in function 1. Divergence adverb verb word 2. Renewal lexical item > morphology (Meillet 1958) Words are renewed with more expressive ways for saying the same thing. 3. Specialization If many new items are generated and applied around the same time, a potential hierarchy of vividness is formed according to listener’s perception. The topmost ones will be used more frequently than others.

5. Lexical originated Changes of Chinese Intensifiers Eg. luan :V., ‘to disturb’ → luan: Adv. (intensifier), very The need of being expressive 1.When the frequent-used words cease to make an impression, a new or renewed one will come into use. 2. A potential hierarchy of vividness is formed when these new items are applied around the same time. The topmost ones will be used more frequently. 3. Frequent use of certain intensifiers may lead to a reduction in vividness. Then, new terms are expected again. A Holistic View RenewalSpecialization

6. Changes of Chinese Intensifiers Lexical originated The need of being expressive 超 chau (V. ‘to cross) (V. ‘to overtake’) (V. ‘to cross’) Semantic extension Divergence(Adj. ‘outstanding) (V. ‘to overtake’) (V. ‘to cross) Divergence (Adv. ‘very’) (Adj. ‘outstanding) (V. ‘to overtake’) (V. ‘to cross) A Discrete View

7. Changes of Chinese Intensifiers Lexical originated The need of being expressive 夠 gou (V. ‘to gather’) (V. ‘to satisfy’) (V. ‘to gather’) Bleaching dying out Divergence(Adv. ‘extremely) (V. ‘to satisfy’) (V. ‘to gather’) disappeared A Discrete View

8. Conclusion Motivation of expressivity Motivation of expressivity Lexical originated Lexical originated Changes involved in individual development: semantic extension, divergence, bleaching. Changes involved in individual development: semantic extension, divergence, bleaching. The grammaticalization of the whole system: circulating between process of renewal and specialization. The grammaticalization of the whole system: circulating between process of renewal and specialization.