Linguistics
The Syntax and Semantics of Degree Constructions in Ersu
The Ersu language is an endangered language nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of southwest China’s “Tibetan-Yi Corridor”–an area of the deep river valleys and high mountains spanning the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet in China. With a population around 25,000 people, according to a recent study by Wang (2010), the language is facing a looming threat of extinction. The linguistic landscape reflects a generational transition in Ersu (Chirkova et al. 2015): While older Ersu speakers, typically beyond their sixties, are mostly trilingual, embracing Ersu alongside Southwest Mandarin and Nuosu Yi, the younger generations are gravitating towards monolingualism in (Southwest) Mandarin. Against this backdrop, recent years have seen a growing interest in the Ersu language and cultural heritage of the Ersu community (Wang 2010, WuDa 2010, Schmidt 2011, Zhang 2013). Yet, despite these commendable efforts, the language still remains enigmatic and relatively underexplored. This dissertation embarks on a comprehensive investigation into the degree system of Ersu, delving into the intricacies of its linguistic fabric. By peering into the nuances of this endangered language, this dissertation aims to contribute to both academic scholarship and community empowerment efforts aimed at preserving and revitalizing this endangered language.