“嘛”的认识立场调节功能及其规约化

Particle ma in naturally-occurring conversation:Epistemic stance accommodation and its conventionalization

本文基于前人相关研究,考察了自然口语对话中语气词“嘛”的互动功能及其规约化表现。语气词“嘛”是交际中认识立场调节和寻求一致性的一种手段,其核心互动功能在于构建共识立场。“嘛”所在的话轮构建单位可用于连续讲述行为,铺垫讲述过程或提供解释评述,也可用于回应行为中,呈现自我理解或重申己方立场。在不同行为中,“嘛”体现出不同的互动功能。之前研究中提到的“嘛”的话题/主位标记功能和多种情感表达功能,都是由标定共识立场的功能浮现出来的,是由会话语篇到独白乃至单句规约化的结果。

Based on previous studies on “ma”(嘛),this paper investigates the interactional function of this versatile particle and its conventionalization in naturally-occurring conversation.It is found that “ma” serves as a device of epistemic stance accommodation and pursuit of affiliation.Its core interactional function is to construct a common-ground stance with the recipient.The turn-constructional unit containing “ma”can be used in extended telling,to provide prior information or account,and in responsive actions,to display understanding or reiterate the ‘my-side' stance.“Ma” varies in its functions within specific actions.It is argued that such previously-proposed functions as topic/theme marker and various affections all emerge from the core function of constructing a common-ground stance,which can be seen as the consequence of conventionalization from conversational discourse to monologue and single sentences.