Abstract

This paper proposes a ‘self’ approach to deal with two imperative constructions in Taiwanese Hakka, the ‘V C lai’ and ‘V pun ki C’ constructions. There is an implicit ‘self’ voice in these two constructions. The ‘V C lai’ construction is connected directly to this ‘self’ voice, while the ‘V pun ki C’ construction implies it indirectly because of the third-person singular pronoun ki. This analysis is advantageous in that it can account for the similarities and differences of these two constructions, as well as explain the linguistic features of ‘patient-as-subject’ prominent sentences and the third-person singular pronoun ta-sentences in Mandarin. The ‘self’ perspective is not based on "verbs," but on the interlocutors in discourse and their ‘self-other’ relationships. These investigations can help us further our understanding of Hakka and even of Mandarin.

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.