A Comparative Study Of Chinese-English "kan" Discourse Markers

“Vision verb(????)”is a common component of Chinese and English.There are many similarities and differences between the two languages.Based on Chinese,we make a comprehensive comparative study of Chinese and English“Kan”discourse marker through the three dimensions of syntax-semantic pragmatics.This paper has both systematic researches and case studies.In terms of systematic research,we comb the nature,characteristics,functions and classification of discourse markers,and then comprehensively explore the similarities and differences between Chinese and English“Kan(?)”discourse markers in three aspects:characteristics,classification and function.In the case studies,we select three cases limited to discourse markers:one is to select the most parallel cases“Nikan(??)”and“you see”in the BCC translation parallel corpus;The second is“Wokan(??)”in Chinese and the third is“look”in English.We make a comprehensive comparative study of them in three levels:syntax,semantics and pragmatics.In addition to the introduction,this study is divided into six chapters:The introduction includes the purpose and significance of the topic,the review of previous studies,the source of corpus,the scope of research,research methods and innovative value.Among them,the previous research review includes three parts: the research review of visual verbs in Chinese and English academic circles,the research review of discourse markers and the research review of “Kan(?)” discourse markers.The first chapter gives a basic description of the relevant theories of discourse markers applied in this study,combs the definition,nature,function and classification of discourse markers,and puts forward our own views.The second chapter explores the characteristics and classification of “Kan(?)”discourse markers in Chinese and English,and determines the final scope of this study.The third chapter describes the textual organization function and interpersonal interaction function of “Kan(?)” discourse markers.The functions of discourse organization can be divided into turn initiating,turn continuation,topic initiating,topic continuation,topic switching and so on;The functions of interpersonal interaction can be divided into mitigating face threatening acts,guiding inference,highlighting discourse content,guiding question consultation and explicit attitude understanding.The fourth chapter is a case study of“Nikan(??)”and“you see”.In view of their high degree of translation correspondence and the lack of academic attention,we explore their similarities and differences in the three levels of syntax,pragmatics and semantics,and make a comparative analysis of their grammaticalization process by using metaphor theory.The chapter five discusses the syntactic environment and pragmatic function of discourse marker“Wokan(??)”.Firstly,clarify the pragmatic status of“Wokan(??)”,then summarize the syntactic environment of“Wokan(??)”,find that its subsequent discourse sentences show significant typological characteristics,and finally explore the pragmatic function of“Wokan(??)”,including speech act function and modality.Its speech act functions include opinion inference,comfort and persuasion,warning and reminding,awakening and boasting,seeking approval,blaming and complaining and interrupting;In terms of modality,“Wokan(??)”is mostly used in oral dialogue,and the subsequent discourse is mostly commentary and analytical content,mainly expressing negative emotions,followed by neutral and less positive emotions.The chapter six discusses the pragmatic functions of the discourse marker “look”.As a typical member of English “Kan(?)” discourse markers,“look” has rich pragmatic functions.Through context recognition,we explore its pragmatic functions from three aspects: discourse organization,information function and speech act.Its discourse organization functions include topic opening,topic switching and turn taking;Its information functions include information shortage mark,information filling mark and information correction mark;Its speech act functions include making a comfort and persuasion,explanation,opposition and dissuasion,compromise and concession,asking for information,blaming and complaining,and warning and reminding.The last part is the conclusion.The conclusion summarizes the main contents of this study,and points out the shortcomings and problems to be further solved.