Abstract
This paper aims to discuss the grammaticalization of Det (得) and Do (倒) and their functional differences in Meinong Hakka. In some situations, Det and Do can be interchangeable, especially in the expression of capability. For example, yi11 cong55 e11 Do31 an31 ho31 (佢唱解倒恁好) means ‘he can sing very well’, and the meaning remains the same when the sentence is replaced by cong55 e11 Det2 (唱解得). In order to understand the differences between Det and Do, this paper will explore the grammaticalization of Det and Do and the function of their expansions.First, we list the functions of Det and Do in contemporary Meinong Hakka and some other functions synchronically. Even though some have been lost in Meinong Hakka, the process of grammaticalization can be reconstructed through the comparison of Mandarin dialects and the diachronic development. Most studies on Det and Do discuss the formation of Verb-Complement structure, but little attention is paid to the procedure of meaning development.Second, we use fifteen verbs to compose sentences formed by V m11 Do31 (V唔倒)or V m11 Det2 (V唔得). Each sentence expresses one of modal meanings which include four semantic dimensions: Capacity, Situation-oriented Capacity, Degree of Moral Desirability, and Epistemic (Lamarre 2001). The last one develops from the first three modalities, our observation target, through subjectification. In the first three modalities, the phrase V m11 Do31 expresses capacity, situation-oriented capacity whereas V m11 Det2 can convey all. Through statistical data, we find that Capacity and Degree of Moral Desirability are the classical meanings of V m11 Do31 and V m11 Det2 respectively. Traugott & Dasher (2002:131) propose that the modal development of must should be: Capacity□Participant-external modality (Situation-oriented Capacity)□Obligation(Degree of Moral Desirability). The level of grammaticalization of V m11 Do31 and V m11 Det2 is different, and the possible reasons may be the distraction of “one form : one meaning principle” of them. Finally, the marginal meanings will be replaced by similar phrases.In many situations, the competition of Det and Do are observable, such as the replacement of V Det2 and V m11 Det2 (by V Do31 and V m11 Do31). The mechanism-Specialization will lead to loss or relegation to marginal status when one is removed from the “one form : one meaning principle.”