The Modal System in Hainan Min
Lee Hui-chi
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Abstract
This paper explores the idiosyncratic features of the modal system in Hainan Min (based on data collected through fieldwork). The lexical items are firstly presented in four categories of modal types, including epistemic, deontic, circumstantial and bouletic modals. The modal hierarchy is built upon data with multiple modals: epistemic > deontic > dynamic. The last part of the paper introduces the negative modal forms in Hainan Min. The scopal interaction between negation and modals is also discussed. The negation always scopes over modals.
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