The Dingxiang Dialect Words

Modal particle is an important feature of Chinese language. The study on it belongs to the field of syntax, meanwhile, it is also a breakthrough point for the research of grammar, especially for dialec- tal grammar. The study on dialectal modal particle has great significance. It can help us understand the essence and feature of modal particle deeply and reveal its grammatical system. In addition, it can provide living material and evidences for the historical researth on modal particle. The study of dialectal modal particle has lasted more than 70 years since Mr. Chao, Y. Ri s 《北京,苏州,常用语助词研究》, but the results are not as noticeable as they should be. It is not systematic and theoretical shallow. In fact, dialectal modal particles form as a tight system as what the dialectal grammar is. This paper gives concrete analyses on all types of modal particles in Dingxi- ang dialect, and tries to reveal their inner connections and the system they form. Firstly, the paper presents general theories of modal parricle and put forword some new views ac- cording to the complex distribution of them in dialect. So, we can have a more clear understanding of them. This knowledge will contribute to our practical research. Secondly, all types of modal particles in Dingxiang dialect -are discussed. There are 15 modal par- ticles appearing the end of sentences such as "condition modal particle" ,"modality modal particle" and "query modal particle"(including some words occurring in two or three types concurrently). There are 8 modal particles in the middle of sentences, which have the same form as those at the end of sentences In addition, there are many combined modal particles in Dingxiang dialect, with 2syllables, 3 syllables, 4 syllables, and even 5 syllables. Their usage is fairly complex. Most of the individual modal particles can correspond to Mandarin except some special words, such as "些", "姗","着",etc. But as far as combined modal particles are concerned, it is difficult to find the cor- responding relationship between Dingxiang dialect and Mandarin, which shows the grammatical fea- tures of dialectal modal particles more completely. According to the analyses above, we can see certain features of model particles in pronunciation, modal sense, distribution, system, and so on. Finally, the paper analyzes the differences in using modal particles in Dingxiang county. These differences show mutual influences among languages (dialects) and the developement of language (di- alect) itself.