The polyfunctionality and origins of makee in Chinese Pidgin English
Author(s)
Date Issued
2024
Publisher
Brill
Journal
Journal of Language Contact
Volume
17
Issue
4
Start page
727
End page
755
Abstract
Words expressing ‘make’ are semantically and functionally versatile in many languages. Focusing on the word makee, derived from English make, in Chinese Pidgin English, a contact language originated in 18th-century Canton, China, this paper examines its origins and functions. Primarily a lexical verb, makee is polyfunctional in that it also occurs in the complex form [makee X] which indicates causation, imperative, and verbalization. Functioning as a main verb and a causative verb, makee largely mirrors the corresponding words in the source languages of the pidgin, namely English and Cantonese. However, makee as an imperative marker and a verbalizer are innovative features. In imperative sentences, makee in combination with another verb indicate commands. As a verbalizer, makee gives a verbal interpretation to the whole construction. These two new features of makee are not attributable to existing models in the source languages.
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes
Availability at SFU Library
No database links found.