On Mood And Modal Particles

This dissertation explores the issues in the research on mood and modal mords on the theoretical basis of three levels: syntax, semantics and pragmatics. It proceeds as follows.Part 1. The relation between mood and signification or value.Traditionally sentences are observed by its logic, integrity, independence, signification and value. This dissertation will review the current theories and put forward the writer's own ideas. After discussing the relation between mood and signification or value,this dissertation will point out that signification lies at different levels,and that is at the level of a sentenve as a whole or at the level of a part of a sentence. The signification of a sentence as a whole is realized by modality while the signification of a segment is realized by tone. There are four kinds of difference between the way of keeping the signification of a sentence as a whole and the may of keeping the segnification of a segment of a sentence. This dissertation also points out that the abstract sentence (sentence as an element of languagesystem) differs ftom the concrete sentence (sentence put into use ) . The former is not related to context and specific time. The latter is understood by people with reference of context and specific time.Part 2. The criterion and reference by which sentences are classified. Traditionally setences are classified either by the criterion of purpose or by that of use or by that of mood. This dissertation puts forward that (l)purpose and use function the same in classification of sentences. The criterion of mood is different from that of purpose or use . (2)The sentence types classified by mood do not correspond to those classified by purpose or use. Abstract sentences do not have purpose or use while concrete sentences do. (3)Mood is the criterion of classifying sentences while purpose and use can be regarded as reference in classification of sentences. (4)Different people list different senence types when they classify sentences with the same criterion of mood,because some people classify sentences, a, without distinguishing abstract sentences from concrete sentences, b, without telling the criterion from the reference, c, without considering the difference between modality and tone.Part 3. Selection restriction of modal particles in a sentence.Three issues are discussed in this part: (1) the modal particles which can be or can not be used in a simple sentence. (2)the location of the modal particles (3)the selection restriction of modal particles and their location by the language style,structure,syllable and tone.Part 4. Pragmatic functions of modal particles at the end of a sentence.Modal particles are generally considered to express mood. However, this dissertation puts forward that they have functions of strengthening tone, diminishing mood or tone , indicating the focus of interrogation, or suggesting a presupposition. The arguements on the four functions are expected to correct the traditional explanation of the functions of the modal particles at the end of sentences. This dissertation points out that different combinations of modal particles at the end of a sentence have the function of identifying the focus of interrogation. This dissertation also analyses the hinting functions of modal particles at the end of a sentence in semantic and pragmatic presupposition .