A Study On The Discourse Marker "Xdeshi" In Modern Chinese

This paper is concerned with a structure in Modern Chinese, such as "gaoxing deshi","yihan deshi","zhidezhuyi deshi","xuyaoshuoming deshi".We call them "Xdeshi" structure. This structure is consisted of two parts, one is "de" structure, the other is "shi". Originally, "de" structure is the subject of the sentence "XdeshiY",and "shi" is a focus marker. As a matter of fact, the "Xdeshi" structure is independent of the sentence "XdeshiY",increasingly become a discourse marker. The function of it is about the text but the grammar.Firstly, we defined the criteria for "Xdeshi" structure, compared the "Xdeshi" structure with parenthesis in traditional grammar. Secondly, we studied the construction and functions of "Xdeshi" structure. In addition, we studied the combination and collocation of "Xdeshi" structure and the associated word. As an independent rhythmical unit, the "Xdeshi" structure is a consequence of grammaticalization. Finally, we introduced a special structure which has a same function with "Xdeshi" structure, such as "gengshen zhe".