A Study On The Usage Of “对” Type Discourse Markers By Chinese Learner

In this paper,we take the "dui" types of discourse markers as the objects of research,and collect natural authentic conversational data from Chinese learners and native Chinese speakers to investigate the correspondence between the "dui" types of discourse markers’ discourse wheel position,rhythmic features,paralinguistic forms and discourse functions.We also quantified the commonalities and differences in the use of the "dui" types of discourse markers between them.The paper finds the following.The usage characteristics of the "dui" types of discourse markers show commonalities and differences.The common features are:(1)The dominant position is at the beginning of the discourse wheel and the separate discourse wheel,and the lowest frequency is at the end of the discourse wheel.(2)The most frequently used function is interpersonal interaction.Among them,the discourse markers of "dui" and "dui" in form of reiterative is often used to back-channeling,confirm and reinforce,and continue conversation.The discourse markers of "duiba" and "duibudui" are often used to highlight information,response feedback,and self-feedback.The differences are as follows:(1)The coverage rate is unevenly distributed.The coverage rate of the discourse marker "dui" is absolutely dominant,while the coverage rate of "duiba","duibudui","dui" in form of reiterative is generally lower.(2)The distribution of discourse wheel positions is the slightest bit different.the "dui" types of discourse markers can be distributed at the beginning,middle,and end of the discourse wheel,as well as individually,and only the discourse marker "duibudui" does not appear at the end of the discourse wheel.(3)The functional differences have different focuses.The back-channeling and confirmation functions of "dui" can be distinguished from the communicative roles,while the highlighting information and response feedback functions of "duiba" can be distinguished from the cognitive states of both parties.Chinese learners differ from native Chinese speakers regarding the use of the "dui" types of discourse markers.(1)Differences in discourse wheel position.Chinese learners use "dui" and "dui" in form of reiterative more frequently in the beginning and middle of the discourse wheel,and use "duiba" less frequently,while they are less likely to use the "dui" types of discourse markers in separate discourse wheel positions.(2)Differences in discourse function.In terms of function,at the utilitarian scale,Chinese learners abuse the meta-linguistic functions.The discourse markers of "dui" are misused as starting markers for discourse,"duiba" are absent from the function as a thought filler.In terms of conversation,Chinese learners needed to master the euphemistic way to obtain the initiative of discourse,and to enhance communicative collaboration.(3)Insufficient use.Comparing the usage rates of the "dui" types of discourse markers,we found that Chinese learners underused "duiba" and "duibudui".In view of the differences in the performance characteristics and use of the "dui" types of discourse markers above,we propose relevant teaching suggestions in terms of teaching principles,teaching methods,teaching language and self-learning strategies: 1)Following the principle of gradual progress;2)Incorporating the real communication context;3)Standardizing classroom teaching language;4)Strengthening self-learning ability.