A Multiple Perspective Investigation Of The "Adverb Of Degree+adjective+de" Structure In Modern Chinese

This thesis investigates the "adverb of degree+adjective+de" structure in Modern Chinese.Based on Xing Fuyi's "two triple angle" theory and utilizing the research methodologies of comparative statistical and semantic analysis,this investigation seeks to undertake a relatively complete analysis of the structure.The range of adverbs of degree has been expanded to include 36:zui,ding,geng,gengia,hai,jiao,bijiao,shao,shaowei, lüewei,youqi,te,tebie,tai,guo,guoyu,ji,jiqi,jidu,gewai,fenwai,feichang,shifen,wanfen, hen,ting,guai,youyidian,youyixie,buda,po,duo,duome,hao,zhen hedeng.This thesis is composed of four sections.The first section reviews previous research on the "adverb of degree+adjective" structure,taking this research as both the starting point and foundation of the thesis.The second section investigates the syntactical distribution of the "adverb of degree +adjective+de" structure,finding that the "adverb of degree+adjective+de" structure can be divided into two major types:(1)the nominal "adverb of degree+adjective+de" structure when used as an subject or object;and(2)the adjectival "adverb of degree+adjective+de" structure when used as an adverbial or attribute which includes two sub-types:the "hen-type+adjective+de" structure and the adjectival "zui-type+ adjective+de" structure.The third section analyzes the internal composition rules for the "adverb of degree+adjective+de" structure,finding that the difference in internal composition of the "adverb of degree+adjective+de" structure is the principal cause of differences in syntactical function.The fourth section investigates the deicticnature of the "adverb of degree+adjective +de" structure,finding that the semantic choice of adverb of degree and adjective is mutually limiting and both influence the deictic nature of the structure.The structural auxiliary "de" allows for the referent to be realized,therefore "de" functions to help realize the deictic nature of the structure.At the same time context can turn the "hen-type+adjective+de" structure into a deictic.Additionally,this thesis points out that adding a "de" after "hen/ting/guai/feichang +adjective" in the predicate position has no internal structural limitations."De" is a modal particle placed at the end of a sentence expressing affirmation and can be left out. They are fundamentally different from the "adverb of degree+adjective+de" structure in the subject,object,attribute,or adverbial position.