Abstract
This paper presents a unified account of the discourse function of the Chinese particle ne based on synchronic and diachronic studies of the function of the particle ne statements, in questions and as a theme marker under an interactional and cognitive framework for discourse markers. It proposes that the particle ne has a general function of hearer engagement for Common Ground (CG) negotiation. The use of ne in discourse serves as an instruction for the hearer to pay special attention to a discrepancy in the perceived CG shared by the speaker and hearer in a conversation that the speaker thinks is highly relevant to the current interaction and needs to be negotiated and resolved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 25 |
| Journal | Macrolinguistics |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Chinese language
- particles (grammar)
- discourse analysis