5.1.2. Bodypart classifiers
Unlike entity classifiers, bodypart classifiers do not denote entities as a whole but refer to some parts of a human or animal body. However, they form predicate classifiers because the classifier handshape always combines with a verb thus expressing the location or movement of the referred entity.
The following example shows the difference between a bodypart classifier denoting parts of an animal body and a bodypart classifier denoting parts of a human body. In (a) the |-handshape is chosen to refer to the cats paws, whereas in (b) the b -handshape represents human legs. In both examples, the classifier predicate expresses the movement of the referent.
a. cat cl(4 legs):โwalkโ
สปThe cat walks.สผ
b. person cl(2 legs):โwalkโ
สปThe person walks.สผ
(based on Glรผck & Pfau, 1998)
Bodypart classifiers like entity classifiers combine with intransitive verbs [Syntax 2.1.1.2], but in contrast to entity classifiers the subject behaves like an external argument and receives the thematic role of agent.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant Agreement No 693349.