Disposal constructions in Chaoshan Southern Min

Abstract This study examines the use of various types disposal constructions in Chenghai dialect Chaoshan Southern Min. Based on distinction between head-marking and dependent-marking grammar, we identify four constructions, depending position marker. We performed fruit cart task to elicit from 30 native speakers this dialect. Our results indicate that zero-marking is most dominant construction type, where topicalization represents common subtype; observation line with Min’s strong tendency towards topicalized structures. Nonetheless, despite its dominance at present, frequency type increases age, which suggests it may be losing ground. Notably, according our preliminary observation, another structure Min also seems falling into disfavour, suggesting declining systemic.