Numeral classifiers in Kazakh

Abstract

Many languages distinguish numeral classifiers in their grammar systems categorizing nominals in terms of their inherent nature, such as animacy, shape, form, and arrangement. Kazakh, a Turkic language of Central Asia, distinguishes numeral classifiers, which are used in numeral classifier constructions consisting of a numeral, a numeral classifier and a specified noun. Numeral classifiers in such constructions can be optional. This paper aims at a preliminary description of the features, types, and usage of numeral classifiers in Kazakh.