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Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science

ISSN Print: 2576-0556 Downloads: 1378160 Total View: 9313077
Frequency: monthly ISSN Online: 2576-0548 CODEN: JHASAY
Email: jhass@hillpublisher.com Citations: 299
ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.06.002

The Cross-linguistic Expression of Existential Constructions and Their Spatiotemporal Typological Features

Yue Shen1, Dan Du2,*

1Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang, China.

2Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China.

*Corresponding author: Dan Du

Published: June 23,2025

Abstract

This paper adopts a typological perspective to investigate the diverse expressions and inherent spatiotemporal typological characteristics of existential constructions across world languages. By systematically comparing different expressive types of these constructions, the study elucidates their distinct spatial and temporal features. Based on this analysis, the paper advances a hypothesis concerning implicational universals linking the expressive types of existential constructions to broader spatiotemporal typological patterns. Cross-linguistic examination reveals three core findings: 1) Four primary expressive types exist cross-linguistically, defined by the core element T [Theme] and its position relative to L [Location] and V [Verb]: L+V+T/L+T+V/V+T+L, L+T, V+T/T+V, and T. These types form an implicational hierarchy: L+T⸧T⸧V+T/T+V⸧L+V+T/L+T+V/V+T+L. 2) Existential constructions fundamentally categorize into entity-types (associated with spatial patterns in nominal-dominant languages) and event-types (associated with temporal patterns in verbal-dominant languages). 3) The observed cross-linguistic variation and spatiotemporal properties ultimately stem from differing cognitive schemas prioritizing either temporality or spatiality.

Keywords

Existential Constructions; Spatiotemporality; Tense-Aspect Markers; Typology

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How to cite this paper

The Cross-linguistic Expression of Existential Constructions and Their Spatiotemporal Typological Features

How to cite this paper: Yue Shen, Dan Du. (2025) The Cross-linguistic Expression of Existential Constructions and Their Spatiotemporal Typological Features. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science9(6), 1057-1065.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.06.002