Abstract
This study takes an interactional linguistics and conversation analysis-based approach to analyze the modal verb huì ‘will’ in the recurrent formular of commissive actions, [wǒ huì X (de)] ‘I will X.’ Data analyses show that this format has two variations differentiated by the prosodic stress on huì. The format with the unstressed huì is often observed in turn-initiating position where the speaker offers to perform a future action or informs the recipient of their arrangement of an established activity. The format with the stressed huì appears in both initiating and responding positions although it is less frequently observed. Stressed huì is often used to reassure the recipient of an existing commitment to performing a future action. This study highlights the significance of prosody in the study of modal verbs and the benefits of studying individual words in a linguistic formula situated in specific interactional contexts.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Article number | 294 |
Journal | Languages |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2022 |
Funding
This study was supported by a Harry and Yvonne Lenart Graduate Travel Fellowship (UCLA).
Keywords
- formulaic language
- interactional linguistics
- modal verb
- prosodic stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language