Numeral classifiers in Korean -ki nominalizations

Numeral classifiers in Korean -ki nominalizations

This paper discusses the structure of numeral classifiers in two types of Korean -ki nominalizations. In the first type (NOM-ki), the object is a full KP, and the properties of numeral classifiers are identical to those of any full KP nominal. In the second type (GEN-ki), the object is a bare nP, and is missing the functional structure necessary for hosting numeral classifiers. As such, the numeral classifier simply adjoins to nP and gives rise to idiosyncratic or culturally relevant readings only. We argue that the Div head is part of the functional spine in Korean. Div is responsible for making the nP countable and able to semantically compose with the numeral classifier. In a full KP object (in NOM-ki), Div is present, and the numeral classifier composes Div+nP, giving rise to standard counting semantics. In a bare nP object (in GEN-ki), Div is absent. The numeral classifier cannot semantically compose with nP. We argue, following Harley (2009), that a non-compositional meaning can arise akin to compounds.