Heterogeneous Plural Markers nong and wu in the Yixian Dialect in Anhui Province

Weijun Huang

doi:10.29499/CrCL.202507_104(2).0026

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Current Research in Chinese Linguistics ›› 2025, Vol. 104 ›› Issue (2) : 741-764. DOI: 10.29499/CrCL.202507_104(2).0026

Chinese Language Studies

Heterogeneous Plural Markers nong and wu in the Yixian Dialect in Anhui Province

Weijun Huang

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Abstract

The plural markers of the Yixian dialect in Anhui Province are nong and wu. Nong is essentially an associative plural marker derived from nouns denoting people. It usually follows highly identifiable personal pronouns or proper nouns, indicating a group of people associated with the core noun. Wu is essentially a similative plural marker originating from nouns referring to objects. It typically follows non-specific inanimate nouns or verb phrases, denoting a category of items or events sharing similar characteristics with the core noun. Nong and wu can be regarded as two different manifestations of the same plural function, with their differences arising from their distinct etymological sources.

Key words

Yixian dialect / associative plural / similative plural / nong / wu

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Weijun Huang. Heterogeneous Plural Markers nong and wu in the Yixian Dialect in Anhui Province[J]. Current Research in Chinese Linguistics. 2025, 104(2): 741-764 https://doi.org/10.29499/CrCL.202507_104(2).0026

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