Japanese comparatives are semantically conjuncts: A dynamic view

Authors

  • Takeo Kurafuji Ritsumeikan University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3765/salt.v21i0.2606

Keywords:

comparison of differences, dynamic semantics, stacking comparatives

Abstract

This paper develops the differential-based semantics of comparatives, arguing that no generalized quantifier-type degree operator is involved in Japanese comparatives, and the yori 'than'-clause introduces a degree variable, which is dynamically bound by the existential quantifier associated with a differential in the main clause. This approach accounts for the Japanese stacking comparative such as 'A is fat(ter) than B is fat than C is fat(ter) than D is fat than E is fat(ter) than D is fat' meaning [the difference between A's fatness and B's fatness] > [the difference between C's fatness and D's fatness] > [the difference between E's fatness and F's fatness].

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Published

2011-09-03

Issue

Section

Articles