The Distribution and Function of Number in Azeri

Abstract

In this dissertation, I study the distribution of number in Azeri within the Exo- Skeletal model of Borer (2005a). I adopt the Exo-Skeletal model's assumption that number marking is a syntactic rather than a lexical process. Following Borer (2005a), I assume that, in order to be counted, nouns need to be individuated by means of a functional category Div. In Borer's model, plural markers and classifiers are argued to be generated in DivP. However, unlike Borer, I propose that the plural marker in Azeri is not an individuator. Instead, it solely marks plurality. Under my proposal, individuation in Azeri is morphologically null. Moreover, I argue that classifiers do not belong to the category of individuators either and their function is to unitize the individuated object. Therefore, I consider classifiers in Azeri to be generated on a cluster head where they contribute to a group formation process. The generation of the plural marker and the classifier on heads other than division derives the conclusion that the individuation in Azeri is morphologically null. Furthermore, I investigate the interpretation of number in the verbal domain, i.e. in TP, in the presence of the viewpoint aspect in both telic and atelic contexts. I argue that the singular interpretation of the Azeri bare noun is linked to the projection of AspQ, where the specific interpretation of the bare noun arises under the effect of the perfective aspect. The presence of AspQ yields a telic interpretation of the event structure, and the DP in the specifier of AspQ is the subject of quantity (Borer, 2005a). Moreover, according to Borer, number ambiguous nouns are generated in atelic structures where AspQ is absent. In this case, the DP does not have to be the subject of quantity and the availability of quantity on the DP remains optional. Nevertheless, (non-)specific interpretation of the noun in telic and atelic contexts in Azeri, I argue to be due to the impact of the viewpoint aspect.