The Study On The Modal Particle In Yanshi Dialect

This is the first paper to research on the modal particle in Yanshi Dialect. It analyzed the particles"le(la)","li","ma","ya","ba","lou","huai","ba za","lou wei","lou lou", etc. by the methods of classifying and contrasting in the synchronic perspective. The particles can be placed at the end and in the middle of the sentences. The results shows that: Most of the modal particles in Yanshi Dialect have the function of completing sentences; Most of them express unfunctional mood more frequently than functional mood expressed; There are limit meanings but expansive usages of every modal particles; Most of the modal particles have the function of soften the mood, a few of them can strengthen the mood. When the particles are behind the heads of the sentences, they are the sign of themes, divided as textual themes, interpersonal themes and topical themes. The order of the themes is that the textual themes are before the interpersonal themes, the interpersonal themes are before the topical themes usually. When the particles are placed in the middle except for the heads of the sentences, they are not the sign of themes and can be arranged behind serial examples and assuming relative clauses, can be used in the forms of"X jiu X ba"and"V ya V ya". There are some remaining problems that need continuing study such as the classifying of the mood system, the historical evolvement of the modal particles in Yanshi dialect, the functions the modal particles having in the syntax structures and elements analysis, etc.