Abstract
This paper explores the change in constructions featuring proximal/distal demonstratives + type classifier/ quantifier attested in Southern Min playscripts published in the late Ming and early Qing. Hur 2 / tsi 2 and iunn 7 form particular constructions that have a range of features in syntax, semantics, phonology, and pragmatics. The sense of type is depleted when fusional words hiunn 3 and tsiunn 3 are formed. The missing sense of type can be refurbished by new type classifiers such as puann1 , sinn1 , and ni 5 . The newly emerging hiunn 3 puann 1 /sinn 1 /ni 5 or tsiunn 3 puann 1 /sinn 1 /ni 5 reflects the phenomenon of Jespersen's Cycle. The new function of the fusional words led to the change of determiner + classifier to intensifier as a modifier of scalar adjectives or anaphors with discourse function. Another fusional word, tsuah 4 , results from the fusion of tsi 2 and ua 7 , denoting 'many' tsuah 4 , and takes on the function of intensifier when its quantity sense is depleted. This is also a reflection of Jespersen's Cycle. This paperconcludes that the demonstrative + type classifier/quantifier construction exhibits chronological strata and subdialectal variation. © he Author(s) 2014.