Earticle

Joh, Yoon-kyoung. 2011. A Contextual Variable for the Pluralization Operator. Korean Journal of Linguistics, 36-1, 261-280. This paper mainly examines intermediate distributivity that works on subpluralities in the realm of plurality as well as non-maximality, focusing on how a pluralization operator can cope with them. In essence, I claim that the pluralization operator without a variable that sorts out the contextual information fails to make enough interpretational distinctions in natural languages. Therefore, I propose that the pluralization operator that explains not only all types of distributivity but also plurality must contain a contextual variable such as Cover. Having the contextual variable inside the pluralization operator brings us three merits. First, it allows us to formally approach how we get readings involving (sub)-pluralities as well as atomic entities in the use of a plural. Even more, implanting a contextual variable is also a necessary step for reciprocity that is closely related to plurality. Lastly, designing the pluralization operator to accompany a contextual variable leads us to capture the complete picture of the correspondence between plurality and distributivity, the most crucial fact that Landman advocates. (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)