Abstract

The functional typologists divide the languages in the world into two groups, one is the subject-prominent language group and the other is the topic-prominent group. English belongs to the subject-prominent language and Chinese to the topic-prominent language. This paper aims to discuss and summarize the types and functions of topic chains on the basis of analyzing the topic chains used in the novel Fortress Besieged written by Chinese famous writer Zhongshu Qian.

Highlights

  • Functional typologists Li & Thompson (1976) divided the natural languages into two groups: one is subject-prominent language group; the other is the topic-prominent group

  • This paper aims to discuss the classifications and functions of Chinese topic chains based on the analysis of the topic chains used in the novel Fortress Besieged written by Zhongshu Qian (1991)

  • Based on the discussion of topic chains and the calculation of the topic chains used in the novel Fortress Besieged, the types and functions of Chinese topic chains have been discussed here

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Functional typologists Li & Thompson (1976) divided the natural languages into two groups: one is subject-prominent language group; the other is the topic-prominent group. Just based on Li and Thompson’s research, many Chinese scholars, such as Nansong Huang, Jiujiu Xu, Yulong Xu etc., began to study the Chinese topics and topic chains. They made researches about the types, the internal structures and discourse functions of topic chains. There is no consensus among these researchers as far as these things are concerned, such as the classification criteria, the discourse functions and rationale for the choice of topic chains. These researchers resort to the qualitative research, not based on the quantitative research. This paper aims to discuss the classifications and functions of Chinese topic chains based on the analysis of the topic chains used in the novel Fortress Besieged written by Zhongshu Qian (1991)

Objectives
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.