Abstract
In this paper, a synchronic study of the syntax and the semantics of the causative verb shi in Han period Chinese, particularly in combination with negatives, is at issue. Two different structures involving negation of this verb exist in Han period Chinese: first, (NP 1 ) NEG shi NP 2 V 2 P and second (NP,) shi NP 2 NEG V 2 P. A thorough analysis of the first structure '(NP 1 ) NEG shi NP 2 V 2 P' shows that two different semantic interpretations are required to account for the syntactic differences between the two structures. The article proposes that the first structure has to be analysed as an analytic causative construction with a visible causative verb which, in its negated form, contrasts with an affirmative causative construction. The negative has scope over the entire causative construction including V 1 and V 2 P, whereas in the second structure the negative has only scope over V 2 P. © School of Oriental and African Studies.