The Functional Word 'LE'(�') In NINGBO Dialect

To the dialect researchers, the functional word 'LE'(勒) in the WU dialect is the focus of attention for evermore. Among the sub-dialects of WU, the word 'LE'(勒) in NINGBO dialect has been in particular character by it's syntax features. It can be used as preposition and auxiliaries, expressing tense, mood and functioning as structure word. 'LE'(勒) is a postpose word with cohesion. It usually has predicate ahead and object and / or complement behind. Confined by such features, the functional word 'LE'(勒) though has different usages, it keeps uniform in sound and syntax.Evidenced with the documents, the word 'LAI' (来) in the Latter-day Chinese has the surprising functions and meanings which corresponding with 'LE' (勒) in NINGBO dialect. Through prudently analyzing, the dissertation concludes that the word "LE' (勒) in NINGBO dialect has the same origin with the word 'LAI"(来), that is, the word "LE' (勒) comes from the verb 'LAI' (来).Shepherd by the lines of semantic correlation and grammaticalization. the semantic-bleaching-outline of the 'LE' (勒) could be drawn clearly. Furthermore, the words 'ZHE' (着) and 'DE' (得) in the Latter-day Chinese are also to be found have common ground with 'LE' (勒), which indicates in the other side that the origin of "LE' (勒) is reliable and reasonable.Except for the word 'LE' (勒), the other forms related, such as 'LELANG'(勒浪), '(辣海) 'and 'LALA'(辣辣), could be seen and used in the sub-dialects of WU other than NINGBO dialect. These words can be used as verb, preposition and auxiliaries. They are more flexible and with less limitation, which makes great difference with 'LE' (勒) in NINGBO dialect.