Zeqi Zhao

RTG PhD student, member since 2021

Project "Particles with question and disjunction uses"

Particles that possess multiple logical functions are fertile grounds for cross-linguistic investigation. Consider the Mandarin particle dou. Dou can be used as a quantifier-distributor, a free choice item, and a scalar operator. Much of the current literature focuses on providing a uniform semantics of dou based on the idea that the seemingly unrelated functions of dou share the same semantic source (Shyu 1995, Liao 2011, Liu 2016a,b, Xiang 2020, a.o.). In this project, I will focus on duo's interaction with Mandarin quantificational DPs which possess characteristics that are distinct from those of standard quantifiers. I aim to give an analysis of a) various Mandarin quantifiers and their quantificational force b) whether dou is a device encoding universal quantification or distributivity c) a more nuanced distribution of dou.

Background information

As a member of the RTG 2636, I'm currently completing my Ph.D. in Theoretical Linguistics. Among the languages I work on, I have been most interested in formal approaches to the study of Chinese languages with respect to topics such as distributive quantification, universal quantifiers, Dou, focus particles, and long-distance reflexives ziji. In addition to my dissertation research, other areas that interest me stem from my goal of exploring how logic is manifested in human languages. I continue to be interested in the logical properties of polarity items and free-choice items.

Research Interests

- Formal semantics;

- Logic in language;

-Chinese linguistics