L-Parameter: ‘Get/acquire’ > post-verbal modal of ability or possibility

From Contribution: Sinitic between Altaic and Mainland Southeast Asia

This tracks the grammaticalization of a verb meaning 'get' (cognates of dé) into a post-verbal potential modal. It is a widespread feature in Sinitic but is most productive in the south, mirroring patterns found in many MSEA language groups.

Language Value Comment Source Examples