35.1635, Review: A Student Grammar of Chinese: Zhu and Huang (2023)

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LINGUIST List: Vol-35-1635. Mon Jun 03 2024. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 35.1635, Review: A Student Grammar of Chinese: Zhu and Huang (2023)

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Date: 03-Jun-2024
From: Ningxian Li [nl88848 at uga.edu]
Subject: Syntax: Zhu and Huang (2023)


Book announced at https://linguistlist.org/issues/34.3248

AUTHOR: Yongping Zhu
AUTHOR: Chu-Ren Huang
TITLE: A Student Grammar of Chinese
PUBLISHER: Cambridge University Press
YEAR: 2023

REVIEWER: Ningxian Li

SUMMARY

A Student Grammar of Chinese, coauthored by Yongping Zhu and Chu-Ren
Huang, serves as an introductory guide for beginners in Chinese
language learning. The book is organized into five units. The initial
unit provides an overview, followed by a second unit dedicated to the
parts of speech. The third unit covers simple sentences, while the
fourth explores unique sentence structures specific to Chinese. The
concluding unit delves into complex sentences.

In the first unit, which covers Chapters 1 to 4, the book presents the
foundational aspects of the Chinese language. This encompasses the
phonetic system of Chinese, its lexicon and characters, and the
primary elements and distinctive characteristics of Chinese syntax.

Chapters 5 to 16 form the second unit, introducing and explaining
eleven different parts of speech in Chinese, such as nouns, verbs,
prepositions, and particles. Specifically, Chapter 6 focuses on nouns,
outlining their syntactic properties. Notably, it highlights that most
nouns can be accompanied by numerals and measure words, yet adverbs do
not modify them. Furthermore, this chapter discusses some unique
traits of Chinese nouns, including the absence of a clear distinction
between singular and plural forms, as well as the particular uses of
prefixes like 老- ‘lǎo-’ and suffixes like -头 ‘-tóu’, which lose their
original meanings as ‘old’ and ‘head’.

Chapter 7 delves into the numerals in Chinese, detailing the usage of
decimals and fractions. The subsequent chapter, Chapter 8, focuses on
measure words or classifiers, which are typically used in conjunction
with numbers to quantify nouns.

Chapter 9 presents an in-depth look at three categories of pronouns in
Chinese: personal, demonstrative, and interrogative pronouns. A
notable aspect discussed is the unique function of interrogative
pronouns in Chinese, where they can lose their traditional
interrogative function. For example, 谁 ‘shuí’ (‘who’) can be used in a
general sense, as in 谁都知道水的重要性 (‘Everyone knows the importance of
water’), indicating a universal acknowledgment. Similarly, 什么 ‘shénme’
(‘what’) can convey a sense of uncertainty, exemplified by 我想吃点什么 (‘I
want to eat something’).

Chapter 10 introduces verbs, offering information about the
distinctions between transitive and intransitive verbs. Additionally,
it introduces a unique feature of Chinese grammar: V-O compounds, also
known as separable verbs, exemplified by 跳舞 ‘tiàowǔ’ (‘dance’), which
literally translates to ‘jump-dance’. These verbs are deemed separable
because they can be separated by aspect markers like 了 ‘le’ , as well
as by expressions like number+measure words or temporal modifiers.
This can be seen in examples like 跳了舞 (‘danced’). A subsection within
this chapter focuses on Chinese aspect markers such as 了‘le’, 着‘zhe’,
过‘guò’, providing an in-depth examination of their proper usage
contexts. This exploration helps elucidate the aspect system in
Chinese, highlighting how these markers contribute to the overall
meaning of sentences by indicating the completion, ongoing nature, or
experiential aspects of actions.

Chapter 11 introduces modal verbs. The chapter can be divided into two
parts. The first part is about common modal verbs in Chinese,
including their meanings, their differences from each other and from
ordinary verbs, as well as when to use them. The second part offers
the grammatical features of Chinese modal verbs such as the
requirement that they need to be followed by a verb or an adjective.

In Chapter 12, the focus shifts to Chinese adjectives, which can
either modify a noun directly or act as the predicate in a sentence.
This chapter also examines the phenomenon of adjective reduplication,
a linguistic feature where adjectives are repeated to convey a special
meaning or emphasis.

Chapter 13 shifts to Chinese adverbs, with a focus on distinguishing
between adverbs with overlapping meanings. It particularly contrasts
pairs like 又 ‘yòu’ and 在 ‘zài’, both of which can translate to
‘again’, and 不 ‘bù’ and 没 ‘méi’, each expressing negation, thereby
shedding light on adverbial usage in Chinese and the specific contexts
in which each adverb is appropriately applied.

The narrative progresses through Chapters 14 to 16, which are
dedicated to function words in the Chinese language, encompassing
prepositions, conjunctions, and particles, respectively. Chapter 14
highlights the comparison between Chinese and English prepositions,
noting similarities in meanings but emphasizing a significant
difference in their syntactic placement. Unlike in English, where
prepositions typically follow the verb (post-verbal), Chinese
prepositions usually precede the verb (pre-verbal). The chapter
acknowledges exceptions to this rule, where prepositions might appear
post-verbally depending on specific prepositions, verbs, or the
formality of the context, particularly in written language. It
concludes by addressing the evolution of most Chinese prepositions
from verbs, offering insights into distinguishing between their uses
as prepositions or as verbs.

Chapter 15 introduces and explains Chinese conjunctions, categorizing
them based on their functional roles in sentences, such as
establishing coordination, causality, and condition among clauses or
phrases. In Chapter 16, the focus shifts to a unique feature of the
Chinese language: particles, which are notably absent in English. The
chapter categorizes particles into three types: structural, aspectual,
and modal particles. Despite their lack of concrete lexical meaning,
these particles are crucial for contributing a grammatical meaning.
This chapter pays particular attention to the structural particle 的
‘de’, underlining its necessity in the formation of Chinese relative
clauses, illustrating a fundamental difference between Chinese and
English relative clauses.

Unit three, spanning five chapters, offers a detailed examination of
simple sentence structures and their functions within the Chinese
language. Chapter 17 lays the foundational groundwork by offering a
broad overview of various sentence types, which are elaborated in the
rest of the chapters in this unit. Initially, it defines what
constitutes a sentence and introduces six grammatical roles phrases
can play, with the subject and predicate being primary. Additionally,
the chapter explains the principal functions simple sentences may
serve, including declarative, interrogative, and imperative forms. A
distinctive feature of Chinese highlighted in this chapter is the
acceptability of subjectless sentences, particularly in contexts like
reporting natural phenomena—a construct less common in English.
Furthermore, the chapter touches upon the concept of elliptical
structures, where certain sentence components may be omitted, assuming
the context provides sufficient clarity. This structural flexibility
is also shared by English.

Chapter 18 explains subject and predicate phrases, fundamental
components of Chinese sentences. It underlines the flexibility in what
can constitute a subject: beyond nominal phrases, subjects in Chinese
can also encompass clauses, verb phrases, or relative clauses, a
pattern that is also reflected in English. When it comes to
predicates, the chapter broadens the scope beyond mere verbs to
include adjectives and nouns, illustrating the diversity in expressing
predicates in Chinese. A notable structural element introduced in this
chapter, which sets Chinese apart from English, is the serial verb
phrase. An example provided is 看完了书去图书馆 (‘finish reading and then go
to library’). This structure is characterized by a succession of two
or more verb phrases that are linked without the use of pauses or
conjunctions. These verb phrases adhere to a temporal sequence,
arranging actions in the order they occur: the action taking place
earlier precedes those happening later.

Chapter 19 explores the relationship between verbs and objects in
Chinese, identifying various semantic relations that can exist between
them. Importantly, the chapter introduces verbs capable of taking two
objects, typically ditransitive verbs of transfer such as 给 ‘gěi’
(‘give’), 送 ‘sòng’ (‘give’), etc.

Chapter 20 is dedicated to the concept of complements in Chinese,
defining them as elements (be they verbs, adjectives, or adverbs) that
provide additional details about the manner, result, or state of the
predicate or the object. The chapter delves into various types of
complements—such as manner, result, potential, and directional
complements—introducing their specific functions and how they interact
with the marker 得 ‘de’.

Chapter 21 distinguishes between attributives and adverbials, both of
which serve a modifying function within a sentence. Attributives are
primarily used to modify nouns, while adverbials modify predicates,
such as verbs or adjectives. A notable difference from English
mentioned in this chapter is the placement of both attributives and
adverbials; in Chinese, they invariably precede the elements they
modify, reflecting a syntactic rule that contrasts with English
sentence structure.

Unit 4 discusses specialized constructions in Chinese, with Chapter 22
focusing on the 把 ‘bǎ’ structure, a distinctive syntactic formation.
This chapter elucidates both the syntactical requirements and semantic
implications of the 把 construction, which is uniquely Chinese. From a
syntactic perspective, the 把 construction is permissible solely with
transitive verbs, following a specific pattern: subject + 把 + object +
verb + additional elements. Semantically, the chapter outlines that
the 把 construction needs a transitive verb that conveys a sense of
disposability or effect on the object. The object involved must be
definite, and the segment following the verb typically illustrates a
change, result, or impact due to the verb’s action. Furthermore, the
chapter specifies conditions under which the 把 construction is
inapplicable, such as with verbs that do not suggest a change or
effect, exemplified by 是 ‘shì’ (‘be’) or 有 ‘yǒu’ (‘have‘).

Chapter 23 explains passive constructions in Chinese, notably the 被
‘bèi’ construction. It begins by comparing and contrasting the 把 and 被
constructions, highlighting their distinct uses and functions in
sentence structure. Additionally, the chapter broadens the discussion
to include alternative methods for expressing passive voice without
resorting to the 被construction. It introduces other words and forms
such as 给 ‘gěi’, 叫 ‘jiào’, 让 ‘ràng’ etc., each capable of conveying
passivity in a sentence.

In Chapter 24, the focus shifts to the formation of questions in
Chinese. It categorizes questions into four basic types: yes-no
questions using interrogative particles, wh-questions, A-not-A
questions, and A 还是 ‘háishì’ (‘or’) B questions. The chapter provides
a thorough overview of the main features and syntactic behaviors
associated with each type of question, offering readers a
comprehensive understanding of how to formulate questions in Chinese.
The chapter concludes with a section on rhetorical questions,
explaining that rhetorical devices in Chinese can employ any of the
four question forms.

Chapter 25 introduces comparative structures in Chinese, focusing on
two primary types of comparisons: those indicating difference,
utilizing 比 ‘bǐ’, and those indicating sameness, using 跟 ‘gēn’. This
chapter elucidates the mechanisms and syntax behind forming
comparative sentences, whether highlighting disparities or
similarities between entities.

Chapter 26 elaborates the concept of Chinese existential sentences,
outlining two primary structures to convey existence or location. The
first structure follows the pattern of Place word + Verb + Noun, which
is used to assert the presence of the noun at the specified place. The
second structure reverses the order to Noun + zai + Place word,
indicating the location of the noun. This chapter provides information
about expressing spatial relationships and the existence of objects or
persons within various contexts.

The concluding chapter of this unit is about emphatic constructions in
Chinese, including two principal methods: the 连…都‘lián…dōu’
construction and the 是…的 ‘shì…de’ construction. This discussion
includes an exploration of how emphasis is realized differently in
Chinese compared to English.

Unit 5, although brief, is dedicated to the exploration of compound
and complex sentences in Chinese. It contains two chapters that
dissect the various categories of both sentence types, elaborating on
the specific meanings and functions of each category. This unit
provides a comprehensive overview of how compound and complex
sentences can be utilized to convey more detailed and interconnected
ideas.

EVALUATION

The book A Student Grammar of Chinese, by Yongping Zhu and Chu-Ren
Huang, is a comprehensive introductory grammar and reference book. The
book allows readers to understand the similarities and differences
between Chinese and English in subfields like phonetics, morphology,
and syntax. It also explains, in a very reader-friendly way, some
special constructions in Chinese that are missing would-be English
counterparts.

This book is structured so that every chapter begins with defined
objectives for learning and concludes with a brief recapitulation of
the key points covered. Following each chapter, readers are presented
with an array of exercises, including sentence correction and dialogue
completion, designed to facilitate review and application of the
material. Additionally, answer keys are made available online,
enabling readers to independently verify their responses.

This book stands out for its numerous strengths, but I'd like to focus
on three particular aspects that truly set it apart. Firstly, an
innovative feature of this book is the dual presentation of all
Chinese sentences: they are provided in both simplified and
traditional Chinese characters. This approach is a departure from what
is typically seen in Chinese grammar books. By offering both writing
styles, the book addresses the preferences and needs of a diverse
readership. Some learners have a penchant for the elegance of
traditional characters, while others find the streamlined simplicity
of simplified characters more approachable.

Another commendable aspect of this book is its rich contextualization
of sentences. Understanding that sentences gain their meanings through
their discourse context, the book situates examples within a coherent
narrative or discussion. An illustration of this is on page 320, where
the usage of the 把 construction in Chinese is explored. By setting up
a specific scenario and then presenting sentences with and without the
把 construction, the book demonstrates the crucial role that context
plays in applying this grammatical structure. This methodological
approach makes the concept more accessible and understandable to
readers, highlighting the importance of discourse in mastering Chinese
grammar.

The third major aspect to highlight is how the book brings the
topic-comment structure into the consciousness of learners. Chinese
has been argued to be a topic-prominent language (Li & Thompson,
1976), where topic and subject both are argued to be grammatical
categories (Huang, Li, & Li, 2009). Through clear explanations and the
strategic use of the English phrase ‘as for’ to draw parallels, the
book effectively introduces learners to the concept of topics in
Chinese. This approach not only aids in understanding a fundamental
aspect of Chinese syntax but also enriches the reader's comprehension
of how the language structures information.

In conclusion, this book is an excellent guide for anyone interested
in learning about Chinese grammar. It is especially useful for
teachers who are looking for a wide range of ideas to help their
students and for students who are learning Chinese on their own. The
book is packed with clear explanations, making it easy for readers to
grasp even the trickier parts of Chinese grammar.

The book does an excellent job of breaking down complicated ideas into
easy-to-understand pieces. Whether it is explaining the use of the 把
construction or the topic-comment structure, the book makes these
concepts accessible to learners at all levels. This thoughtful way of
presenting information means that no matter whatever a learner’s level
is, this book has something to offer.

Overall, this book is not just a grammar guide; it is a tool that
brings together clear explanations, practical exercises, and insights
into the Chinese language. It's an essential resource for teachers and
a helpful guide for students, making learning Chinese grammar less
daunting and more enjoyable.

REFERENCES

Huang, C.-T. James, Li, Y.-h. Audrey & Li, Yafei. 2009 The Syntax of
Chinese. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Li, Charles & Thompson, Sandra. 1976. Subject and topic: A new
typology of language. In C. N. Li (Ed.), Subject and topic, 457-489.
New York: Academic Press.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Ningxian Li is a PhD candidate in Romance linguistics at the
University of Georgia.



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