@article{ART003328567},
author={Li, Han and LEE,WOO-CHEOL},
title={Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions},
journal={Journal of Chinese Language and Literature},
issn={1225-083X},
year={2026},
number={101},
pages={285-306},
doi={10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285}
TY - JOUR
AU - Li, Han
AU - LEE,WOO-CHEOL
TI - Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions
JO - Journal of Chinese Language and Literature
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 101
PB - Chinese Literary Society Of Yeong Nam
SP - 285
EP - 306
SN - 1225-083X
AB - This study investigates the asymmetry in constructional productivity between the Mandarin Chinese degree adjectives Da(大) and Xiao(小). Based on a quantitative and descriptive analysis of data drawn from a constructional database compiled by Peking University, it is shown that while the two items are comparable in the overall number of attested constructions, they differ significantly in their distribution across construction types. The classification adopted here is a corpus-based three-tier system defined in terms of syntactic unit levels, distinguishing fixed-form(凝固型), semi-fixed(半凝固型), and phrasal(短语型) constructions. More specifically, Da is predominantly found in fixed-form and semi- fixed types, whereas Xiao are mainly associated with phrasal constructions. This distributional contrast points to a systematic asymmetry in the constructional behavior of the two items. Further semantic analysis of representative constructions reveals an asymmetry in subjectification. In constructions involving Da, its degree meaning is retained to a greater extent, and its subjectivity is not strongly manifested. By contrast, in constructions involving Xiao, the degree meaning is weakened, and its function extends further into intersubjective uses. These differences are explained from both semantic and usage-based perspectives. It is argued that constructional formation is not solely determined by constructional meaning, but is jointly shaped by the semantics of component elements and communicative needs. At a higher level, such functional needs are reflected in the categorial properties of schemas, which in turn select semantically compatible elements to participate in constructional formation. As a result, the constructicon emerges as a hierarchically organized and structured system.
KW - 大(Da)小(Xiao)，不对称(Asymmetry)，构式(Construction)，互动关系(Interaction)，图式(Schemas)
DO - 10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
ER -
Li, Han and LEE,WOO-CHEOL. (2026). Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions. Journal of Chinese Language and Literature, 101, 285-306.
Li, Han and LEE,WOO-CHEOL. 2026, "Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions", Journal of Chinese Language and Literature, no.101, pp.285-306. Available from: doi:10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
Li, Han, LEE,WOO-CHEOL "Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions" Journal of Chinese Language and Literature 101 pp.285-306 (2026) : 285.
Li, Han, LEE,WOO-CHEOL. Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions. 2026; 101 : 285-306. Available from: doi:10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
Li, Han and LEE,WOO-CHEOL. "Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions" Journal of Chinese Language and Literature no.101(2026) : 285-306.doi: 10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
Li, Han; LEE,WOO-CHEOL. Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions. Journal of Chinese Language and Literature, 101, 285-306. doi: 10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
Li, Han; LEE,WOO-CHEOL. Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions. Journal of Chinese Language and Literature. 2026; 101 285-306. doi: 10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
Li, Han, LEE,WOO-CHEOL. Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions. 2026; 101 : 285-306. Available from: doi:10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
Li, Han and LEE,WOO-CHEOL. "Asymmetry in Constructions with Da(大) and Xiao(小) in Mandarin Chinese：On the Interaction between Components and Constructions" Journal of Chinese Language and Literature no.101(2026) : 285-306.doi: 10.15792/clsyn..101.202604.285
