Author(s)

Ying Fang^*, Yan Wang

School of Applied Foreign Languages, Zhejiang International Studies University, Hangzhou, China.

This paper reviews the studies on semantic and syntactic constraints of VV reduplication in Mandarin Chinese through three different stages, with the theoretical framework extending from structuralism to functional, generative and cognitive paradigms. While a series of constraints are uncovered and delved into, with explanations proposed in different theoretical approaches, addressing numerous research problems in the field, none of the approaches provides an all-encompassing solution. Further studies may target a more detailed and comprehensive morpho-syntactic analysis in Generative Grammar, with semantic elements incorporated into the framework. Much can be done on the relationship between VV reduplication and relevant cognitive representations for an in-depth cognitive explanation. Furthermore, studies can be done on VV reduplication across languages for typologically significant constraints around the world to unveil some universals among the languages and even human cognition. Besides, chronological studies may provide insights into the constraints of VV reduplication.

VV Reduplication, Grammatical Category, Grammatical Meanings, Semantic Constraints, Syntactic Constraints

Fang, Y. and Wang, Y. (2024) A Review on Semantic and Syntactic Constraints of VV Reduplication in Mandarin Chinese: Retrospections and Development. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 12, 62-80. doi: 10.4236/jss.2024.121006.