Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to classify the meanings of “非X不可” and to analyze its conditions of practicality used in a certain fixed forms in modern Chinese from the theoretical perspective of construction grammar.<BR> The first meaning that “非X不可” expresses is subjective wishes or aspirations. In order to express this meaning, the background must be that someone objects to the wish or aspiration or is involved in it who does not want to be.<BR> The second meaning that “非X不可” expresses is that certain actions are contextually required. The premise is that certain objective circumstances force the actor to engage in the actions in question.<BR> The third meaning that “非X不可” expresses is the speculation about the occurrence of an event. This conjecture holds that the event is unavoidable and will necessarily produce an unwanted result.<BR> Although the detailed meanings of “非X不可” are different, they are all convey a strong tone and discuss events that have not yet occurred.<BR> In addition, initially other components could be inserted between “非X” and “不可” in “非X不可,” but it became fixed and was used as a structure over time. In the process of this change, the function of “非” conveying negative judgment was weakened and the independence of “X” increased, leading to an expansion of possible meanings.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call