英语是非问句疑问标示元的功能

On Functions of Question Markers of Yes/No Questions

疑问标示元的复用是英语是非问句形式完整的标志。当是非问句用于探询时,问句的意义反映在句子表面结构上,疑问标示元携带的是疑问信息,疑问强度随疑问标示元的复用和独用由强到弱递减;当是非问句行使探询以外的功能时,问句意义通常通过诸多语用因素推导出来,疑问标示元不再携带疑问信息,只帮助传达符合语境的隐含功能。

This paper aims to study the syntactic and pragmatic functions of question markers in English Yes/No questions with the purpose of developing an insight into the relations between Y/N question forms and the meanings conveyed. It is revealed that the rising tone marker, together with the inverted word order marker, contributes to the formation of Y/N questions and reflects the perfect interrogative functions of the Y/N questions. The different combination of question markers and the rising tone marker used alone provide detailed explanation to the gradual decrease of the interrogative functions of Y/N questions. The transference of the interrogative pragmatic functions, though not indicated by the question markers, can be motivated by such pragmatic factors as the decrease of uncertainty, expectation as well as sincerity, and the increase of politeness.