In semantics, epistemic modality expresses writers＇ commitment to their propositions. In pragmatics, epistemic modality performs interpersonal functions. To date, its politeness and negotiative functions have been st...In semantics, epistemic modality expresses writers＇ commitment to their propositions. In pragmatics, epistemic modality performs interpersonal functions. To date, its politeness and negotiative functions have been studied, but its constructive function seems to have failed to attract researchers＇ attention. Put simply, epistemic modal variants can be used to construct social reality, including writers＇ identity, writer-reader relations and the corresponding discourse community in which writers and readers live. The purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete picture of the interpersonal functions of epistemic modality and to raise Chinese learners＇ awareness of the importance of using such words appropriately.展开更多
The new provisions on judicial interpretation work issued by the Supreme People＇s Court （SPC） explicitly establish two procedural institutions： ＂Citizen motion for project initiation of judicial interpretation＂ ...The new provisions on judicial interpretation work issued by the Supreme People＇s Court （SPC） explicitly establish two procedural institutions： ＂Citizen motion for project initiation of judicial interpretation＂ and ＂Seeking public comment.＂ Under the rubric of democratization, these create ＂primafacie democratic legitimacy＂ for it to carry out the political function of developing law through judicial interpretation, and also enable it to broadly absorb information or knowledge in the course of Chinese-style judicial interpretation, especially abstract interpretation. However, the ＂democratization＂ trend gives also the impression that the SPC hews so close to public opinion that it will find itself in a quandary if it becomes necessary for it to make an independent and wise judgment. The SPC must find an appropriate balance between following behind and standing aloof from public opinion. Therefore, we should not take any further steps in ＂democratization.＂ An acceptable strategy for the present would be for the SPC to retain abstract interpretation in a limited sphere while working on reforming the content, form and system of concrete interpretation and extending its scope of application, letting the two models of judicial interpretation coexist and compete for future development and choices.展开更多
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SOC), made up of six member countries, is reinventing itself and banding together to deal with the region's security and economic development. Operating under the "Shang...The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SOC), made up of six member countries, is reinventing itself and banding together to deal with the region's security and economic development. Operating under the "Shanghai Spirit"-the essence of state-to-state relations where trust and equality are key to members looking out for each other-questions need to be asked and answered at the organization's fifth anniversary. Despite the best intentions, a clear road map is needed to clarify the SCO's future.展开更多
文摘In semantics, epistemic modality expresses writers＇ commitment to their propositions. In pragmatics, epistemic modality performs interpersonal functions. To date, its politeness and negotiative functions have been studied, but its constructive function seems to have failed to attract researchers＇ attention. Put simply, epistemic modal variants can be used to construct social reality, including writers＇ identity, writer-reader relations and the corresponding discourse community in which writers and readers live. The purpose of this paper is to provide a more complete picture of the interpersonal functions of epistemic modality and to raise Chinese learners＇ awareness of the importance of using such words appropriately.
文摘The new provisions on judicial interpretation work issued by the Supreme People＇s Court （SPC） explicitly establish two procedural institutions： ＂Citizen motion for project initiation of judicial interpretation＂ and ＂Seeking public comment.＂ Under the rubric of democratization, these create ＂primafacie democratic legitimacy＂ for it to carry out the political function of developing law through judicial interpretation, and also enable it to broadly absorb information or knowledge in the course of Chinese-style judicial interpretation, especially abstract interpretation. However, the ＂democratization＂ trend gives also the impression that the SPC hews so close to public opinion that it will find itself in a quandary if it becomes necessary for it to make an independent and wise judgment. The SPC must find an appropriate balance between following behind and standing aloof from public opinion. Therefore, we should not take any further steps in ＂democratization.＂ An acceptable strategy for the present would be for the SPC to retain abstract interpretation in a limited sphere while working on reforming the content, form and system of concrete interpretation and extending its scope of application, letting the two models of judicial interpretation coexist and compete for future development and choices.
文摘The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SOC), made up of six member countries, is reinventing itself and banding together to deal with the region's security and economic development. Operating under the "Shanghai Spirit"-the essence of state-to-state relations where trust and equality are key to members looking out for each other-questions need to be asked and answered at the organization's fifth anniversary. Despite the best intentions, a clear road map is needed to clarify the SCO's future.
