Research Topic After "pragmatic Functions

This thesis makes a comprehensive study on the modal particle"a"(啊) behind several topics in Mandarin Chinese. In view of the different ideas about topic in the field of grammar and with a view to receiving a widespread support, this thesis just discusses four types of topics: nominal topic, time topic, location topic and predicative topic. This research focuses on the"a"behind the four types of topics.The usage of the"a"behind topic is restricted by several aspects. The structure of topic is one of the aspects. The"a"behind topic is also restricted by the relationship between topic and action. In general, the unmarked topic relies less on"a"than the marked topic does. The different style is another aspect.Based on the differences between the topic with"a"and the topic without"a", this thesis reaches the conclusion that the"a"behind topic not only has the function of the marked topic but also conveys the speaker's tone."Mollification"and"emphasis"are the two ways of tone expression.By comparing the difference between"a"and"ne(呢),ba(吧),ma(嘛)", it is found out that in some conditions"a"can be exchanged for the three other particles. But in other conditions, the four particles can not exchange for each other.Besides introduction and conclusion, this thesis includes four parts. The first chapter describes the characters of topic in detail. The second chapter studies the differences between the topic with"a"and the topic without"a". The third chapter analyses the differences between"a"and"ne(呢),ba(吧),ma(嘛)".The fourth chapter analyses the restrictions that style places on the"a"behind topic.This thesis mainly uses two writing methods: description and comparison and contrast. Besides, the inductive method is also applied.