The Representation of Degree Expressions in Old to Middle Vietnamese

Abstract

This article examines degree-expressing words in Vietnamese from the Old to the Middle periods, based on sixteen representative texts. The results show that several elements occur with high and stable frequency, serving as central components within the system. Some elements that were once highly productive during the medieval stage gradually declined and lost their grammatical functions. The results also show a clear predominance of high-degree adverbs, whereas low- and mid-degree markers (such as hơi and khá) appeared relatively late. The evolution of these degree words reflects a grammaticalization tendency that compensates for earlier gaps and contributes to the gradual completion of the degree continuum in Vietnamese discourse across historical periods.