Universal Sorter and Packager: How We Pluralize Mass Nouns
In the English language, mass nouns—substances or concepts that are typically uncountable, such as water, air, or wine—usually resist pluralization. However, in everyday conversation, we frequently use these nouns in plural forms. To explain how the human mind processes these shifts in meaning, linguists use two conceptual frameworks: the universal sorter and the universal packager.
The Universal Sorter
The concept of the universal sorter was first proposed by Harry Bunt in his 1981 doctoral dissertation. This framework explains how a mass noun is interpreted when it is pluralized to refer to abstract kinds or varieties of a substance.
For example, if someone mentions "several wines," they are typically not referring to several individual bottles or glasses, but rather to different types of wine, such as Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. In this context, the mind "sorts" the mass noun into distinct categories or varieties.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Universal Packager
The universal packager describes the process of treating a mass noun as a countable noun by imagining it contained within a specific unit. This is most commonly seen when plural nouns refer to individual servings or "packages."
A classic example is the phrase "two coffees." In a cafe setting, this rarely refers to two different species of coffee beans; instead, it refers to two cups of coffee. The "package" (the cup) is implied, allowing the uncountable liquid to be counted as a discrete unit.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Comparing Sorter and Packager Interpretations
While these two concepts help categorize linguistic behavior, scholars differ on how to apply the terminology. Some linguists use "universal packager" as a broad term covering both concrete servings and abstract kinds. Others maintain a strict distinction: the universal packager is reserved for concrete units (like cups), while the universal sorter is used exclusively for abstract varieties (like types of wine).
| Concept | Interpretation Type | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Sorter | Abstract | "Several wines" | Different varieties/kinds of wine |
| Universal Packager | Concrete | "Two coffees" | Two individual servings/cups |
Key Facts
- Harry Bunt introduced the universal sorter in his 1981 doctoral dissertation.
- The universal sorter refers to plural mass nouns as abstract kinds or varieties.
- The universal packager refers to plural mass nouns as individual servings or discrete units.
- Some scholars use "universal packager" to encompass both concrete and abstract meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who proposed the universal sorter?
The universal sorter was suggested by Harry Bunt in his 1981 doctoral dissertation.
What is the difference between a sorter and a packager interpretation?
A sorter interpretation views a plural mass noun as different varieties or abstract kinds, whereas a packager interpretation views it as individual, concrete servings or units.
Can "two coffees" be interpreted as both?
Yes. Depending on the context, "two coffees" could mean two cups of coffee (universal packager) or two different types of coffee, such as Colombian and Indonesian (universal sorter).
Do all linguists agree on the definition of the universal packager?
No. Some scholars use the term to refer only to concrete servings, while others use it as an umbrella term for both concrete and abstract interpretations of plural mass nouns.