OF SYNTAX.

Having considered the Chinese characters as they stand separately, we now come to the consideration of them as united with each other. This forms what in the language of the Western grammarians is termed Syntax.

It must not be expected however, that syntax in the Chinese language, is precisely the same thing as syntax in the languages founded on the alphabetic system; as well migyt a person expect to find terminations expressive of the various genders and cases of Nouns; and of the moods, tenses and persons of Verbs, as to find the Chinese Syntax formed of the agreement of an adjective with its substantive, or of a verb with its nominative case. But to infer hence that syntax does not exist in Chinese, would be to forget the nature of the language. It must be self-evident, that in a language wherein every termination is supplied by position, there must exist an arrangement of the characters, essential to the perspicuity, if not to the excellence of any composition. This arrangement is neither more nor less than Chinese Syntax, which it is our business to unfold, as far as we are able to ascertain its existence in their standard works.

The first thing which comes under our notice, is a subject which perhaps does not fall precisely under the head of Syntax. If it be not a part of Syntax, however, it properly forms an introduction thereto. It is the doctrine of Compound Words.

Of Compound Words.

The doctrine of Compound Words forms an important part of grammar in most of the eastern languages; nor is the Chinese by any means an exception. By compound words however, are not meant two characters intended to express any two of the parts of speech; but two united to express one object, whether it be a thing, a quality, or an action. Of these compounds the Chinese language has various kinds. We begin with,

Characters expressive of the Genus, prefixed to Substantives.-Of these compounds one of the kinds most frequently met with, particularly in conversation, are those formed by prefixing to certain substantives, a character expressive of genus or kind, &c. By the Catholic Missionaries these Generic characters are termed Numerals; but as that name is already appropriated, it seems better to term them Generic Particles.

In most of the languages of India, there are words united with certain substantives to denote their genus or kind, either real or imaginary, particularly when a number of such is wanted. In Hindee the word t'han, 'piece,' . is united with cloths: thus, two pieces of cloth,' would be, duee than kaIn Bengalee jon is applied to substantives signifying men of various employments; as Dos jon mujoora, 'ten labourers.'

por.

These particles are so necessary, that a person who should omit them would scarcely be understood. This will not appear strange to an English reader when he recollects the application of piece, suit, set, couple, pair, bundle; case, kind, sort, joint, troop, sail, squadron, &c. Two pieces of cloth;” four suits of clothes;

three cases of instruments;' two joints of veal ;'

five bundles of tape,' are expressions perfectly intelligible while two cloths; three veals; eight tapes, &c. if not unintelligible, would convey a different meaning.

In the number of these Generic Particles, however, the Chinese exceed every other nation in the east. They have in use no less than eighty-two, which are given with much precision in the various Latin Chinese Dictionaries. In two now in the possession of the author, one finished in 1724, and the other the most modern in circulation, the lists of them agree both in form and application, with the exception of two characters. The most complete of these two lists therefore, given as it stands,' will bring this peculiarity in the Chinese language fully before the reader. In exemplifying them, we shall, as usual, have recourse first to the highest authority, the standard works of the Chinese; and when this fails, to correct conversation.