Abstract
Based on the differences of semantic and pragmatic functions in "(是)...的" structure, this paper specifies two kinds of cleft sentences ("SV的O", "SVO的"), and analyzes the actual functions of "SV的O" in context. "SV的O" is one of the most challenging grammatical constructions for L2 learners of Chinese. We discussed how "SV的O" structure is used at the conversation, and what motivates the choices of "SV的O". The information of cleft sentence "SV的O" can be analyzed as "presupposition+assertion(focus)", it functions to present or contrast the focus element as new information about the already mentioned in the precedent sentence. "SV的O" consists of a copular "(是)" plus "的", which is both a nominalization marker, the construction can present an entity-like situation. They are conceptualized as an entity by cognitively overlooking. This paper also deals with "是SV的 O", with a contrastive focus in it, when the speaker uses this structure, he/she assumes the hearer feels conflicts between the new information and the information from his or her expectation from the previous context or its related common knowledge.
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