A COGNITIVE-FUNCTIONAL STUDY ON THE CHINESE COPULAR EXISTENTIAL CONSTRUCTIONS

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the Chinese copular existential constructions from a cognitive-functional perspective. I mainly explored the syntax, semantics, cognitive characteristics, and diachronic changes of the construction. Firstly, I argue that Chinese copular existential constructions represents a broad view of existentials according to cross-linguistic commonality, namely, the location argument can be either before the copula or after the copula. Based on this, this research explains the semantics and its restrictive conditions of Chinese copular existential constructions by comparing it with the assertative sentences marked by shi. Secondly, I explored the interactive relationship between the quantitative category and the copular existential constructions from cognitive perspectives. Referential factors are also involved in relevant discussions. Finally, this research has conducted an in-depth exploration of the evolution path of the Chinese copular existential constructions under the broad view of existentials from a diachronic perspective.