Question word distributivity

Abstract

The Shan (Kra-Dai) question word for ‘which’ lǎj (or lǎɰ in some varieties) can also be used to have a distributive interpretation similar to each. This interpretation exists in addition to the indeterminate pronoun meanings, e.g., as a negative polarity item, question word, or universally quantified expression, such as are found in Japanese. This paper describes the distributive construction and indeterminate pronouns in Shan and develops a unified account for lǎj . The same Hamblin semantics that can account for indeterminate pronouns is extended to the distributive case with the incorporation of Neo-Davidsonian event semantics. This identifies a previously unseen connection between indeterminate pronouns and distributivity.