Abstract

This paper investigates and describes two types of classifications: one between dynamic modality(ability) and deontic modality(permission) and another between dynamic modality(ability) and epistemic modality(possibility).BR In addition, the paper researched on the usage and transition conditions of dynamic modality(ability) of the negative form ‘buneng(不能), buke(yi)(不可(以)), bude(不得)’ from representative four kinds of Middle Ancient Chinese literature. The contents considered by this thesis are as follows.BR First, usage and transition conditions of ‘buneng(不能), buke(yi)(不可(以)), bude(不得)’ applied as dynamic modality(ability) are as following.BR A. To express inner condition ‘buneng(不能)’ is usually used and has several abilities, such as physical, psychological, emotional, combined, and learning.BR B. For outer condition, ‘buke(yi)(不可(以))’, in addition to ‘buneng(不能)’, is also much used. ‘buke(yi)(不可(以))’ is applied for ‘logic of world’ while ‘bude(不得)’ for ‘geography and war’ etc.BR C. When ‘buneng(不能), buke(yi)(不可(以)), bude(不得)’ is independently used without verbal components, each mainly represents ‘ability of inner condition’, ‘disallowance’, and ‘negative of verb’.BR Second, ‘buneng(不能), buke(yi)(不可(以)), bude(不得)’ not only has the meaning of dynamic modality(ability) but also the meaning of deontic modality(permission) and epistemic modality(possibility), their usage and transition conditions are as following.BR In the Middle Ancient Chinese, ‘buneng(不能)’ is mainly used for dynamic modality(ability) and ‘buke(yi)(不可(以))’ commonly for deontic modality(permission). On the hand, atQiminyaoshu(齐民要术) fromin theWei Jin and South-NorthDynasties(魏晉南北朝), ‘bude(不得)’ is most commonly used for deontic modality(permission). ‘buneng(不能)’ is most used for epistemic modality(possibility) but ‘bude(不得)’ and ‘buke(yi)(不可(以))’ also can be seen.

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