Semantic Matching Of Frequency Adverb Zong (总)

Zong(总) is a high frequency adverb. This thesis is a research into semantic matching of zong(总). Specifically speaking, it is trying to find out semantic environments that properly matches the meaning of zong(总).Previous studies dealing with high frequency adverb zong(总), mainly took into consideration the importance of verbs and elements relevant to time (elements reflecting tense, time nouns, etc.) in matching the meaning of zong(总) . Actually, zong(总) not only chooses verbs or elements relevant to time, but also chooses relevant indirect elements. It is because that zong(总) pragmatically functions as a focus sensitive operator in a focus structure, which demands that all the non-verb elements following zong(总) take part in the repetitive act (expressed by the verb) from time to time, and one element be emphasized by the operator as the focus of the sentence.This thesis consists of 3 parts.Part 1 serves as a direction. After an overview of previous studies about zong(总) , several illegal sentenses are given to declaim that: zong(总) not only chooses direct elements, but also chooses indirect elements. Following that is the introduction of this thesis' goal and resolutions.Part 2 is a semantic analysis of zong(总) . First, zong(总) means that the act or state (expressed by VP), or the whole incident (expressed by the whole sentence) turns up over and over again. Second, zong(总) often suggests something important from speaker's point of view. Third, zong(总) acts as a focus sensitive operator in a focus structure. Therefore, semantic matching of zong(总) involves choosing attributes (and positions) of different (in)direct elements related to it.Part 3 is a semantic matching analysis of zong(总) . With elements added one by one, careful investigations are made into subjects, objects, supplements and modifiers, so as to find how zong(总) is choosing different elements according to their attributes (and positions). It can be concluded that zong(总) may emphasize verb, VP, the whole incident as well as other elements along with every act & incident (at what time, in which place & manner & state, etc.). The thesis ends up with its application value for studies of semantic matching of other focus sensitive adverbs and the shortages of this thesis.