1887
Volume 16, Issue 2
  • ISSN 1877-7031
  • E-ISSN: 1877-8798
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Abstract

Abstract

This paper examines the pragmatic functions of the pragmatic marker (, cf. Fraser 2009) in Chinese and further categorizes its functions as a discourse marker () indicating elaboration and contrast, and a discourse management marker () signaling topic establishment, hesitation and self-repair. Previous research (cf. Zhang 2002) suggests that the development of involves a progression of meaning changes that were first subjectified, then textualized and eventually inter-subjectified. This paper, however, taking a constructional point of view argues that when is constructionalized into a conjunct, it automatically inherits from the pre-existing conjunct schema the subjective, textual, and intersubjective properties. (Inter)ubjective properties are increased when is further constructionalized into a . Such an analysis argues that the textual, subjective, and intersubjective qualities are independent, and each may in principle shift (or not) at any moment/order and characterizes the development of procedural structures without placing the diachronic concepts on a cline.

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2025-07-08
2026-02-13
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