The role of the general category in the maintenance of numeral-classifier systems: The case of tsu and ko in Japanese

In numeral-classifier as well as other semantically motivated nominal classification systems, a GENERAL category plays a significant role in making the entire classification exhaustive, by filling the gaps between more specific categories. In Japanese, diachronic changes in numeral classification are characterized by the maintenance of general categories in the face of the gradual introduction of Chinese classifiers, which has made the system semantically much more complex. Using classifier counts in Japanese texts and conversation and speakers' direct judgment of classifier use, this paper demonstrates a shift from a loose system characterized by frequent absence of classifiers and use of the semantically neutral native classifier tsu, to a tight system characterized by use of semantically specific classifiers over the general classifier, and gradual replacement of the completely neutral tsu by the newer Sino-Japanese classifier ko, which has been developing into a general classifier while retaining a semantic core. Against the diachronic trend of tightening the system, however, this paper suggests overall preference for general categories by addressing the coexistence of tsu and ko, and especially the significant role played by ko as the most general category in the tight Sino-Japanese classifier inventory.