Semantic Features and Pragmatic Functions of Alternative Question in Mandarin Chinese

Abstract

Through the analysis of the definition and syntactic form of alternative question in Mandarin Chinese, the semantic features and relationships of its internal elements are abstracted. In its typical syntactic structure “(是) A还是 (or) B”, there are two types of options A and B, namely real options A and B which belong to the same category, and virtual ones created by the speaker in context. Based on this, the alternative question is classified. Its usage characteristics and usage scenarios are summarized by analyzing the example sentences of both conventional and unconventional new emerging usage in BBC corpus. At last, its five pragmatic functions are concluded, namely providing options, expressing speculation, expressing strong emotions, emphasizing and creating demand.