A Functional Study of Chinese "Personal Pronoun + Know" Discourse Markers from an Interactional Perspective
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research paper delves into the multifaceted roles played by the Chinese linguistic construction known as "personal pronoun + know" discourse markers within the realm of spoken communication. It thoroughly investigates how these markers function as contextual cues, as they help to set the stage for the conversation by indicating the speaker's stance or attitude. Furthermore, the paper examines their contribution to the progression of topics, showing how they can be used to smoothly transition from one subject to another, thereby maintaining the flow of dialogue. The study also highlights their use in seeking agreement from the interlocutor, which is a subtle way of building rapport and consensus within the conversation. Additionally, these markers are seen to play a significant role in the provision of information, often signaling the speaker's intention to share knowledge or clarify points. The analysis is grounded in empirical data, providing a robust foundation for understanding the pragmatic implications of these markers. The results of the study indicate that despite the conceptual meaning of the "personal pronoun + know" structure being somewhat diminished due to its frequent use and inherent subjectivity, it continues to serve as a vital pragmatic tool in everyday language use. This is evidenced by its ability to facilitate verbal interaction and enhance the coherence of discourse, making communication more efficient and effective.
Author: Tingting Su
Institution: Beijing International Studies University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411357333