Proper names in Khorchin Mongolian

Abstract This paper discusses the taxonomy of proper names and analyses the grammatical features of proper names in Khorchin Mongolian. We argue that (i) although proper names in Khorchin Mongolian are inherent definite, but they can be coerced with an indefinite reading when combining with the indefinite article nək in existential sentences. In addition, proper names can also combine with demonstratives to derive complex expressions like “Dem+Proper name”, which express the speaker’s subjective attitude, such as derogation or contempt; (ii) when attached to proper names, the additive plural marker -ut can convey associative plural meaning, and when added to proper names, the additive plural marker -tʃut can also convey a collective meaning, referring to a specific ethnic group or tribe.