The Comparative Study On "Shen Me(What)"and"Shen Me(What)+Nshi Wu(Things)"

The Chinese phrase “what”(shenme in Chinese pinyin) is a common nominal andinterrogative pronoun in contemporary Chinese language. The expression “ShenMe(what)+NShiWu （Things）” is highly concentrated and objective “nominal andinterrogative and demonstrative phrase”. There are generally two catalogues: namely, aperson may ask properties of an article for “What? What’s this? What are these things?”He or she may also ask properties of an incident for “What? What happens? What arethese incidents?” This essay systematically studies nominal and interrogative pronouns“Shen Me(what)” and “Shen Me(what)+NShi Wu（Things）” basing on substantial linguisticdata analysis and frequency of utilization and natural language intuition surveys. Thearticle focuses on depicting differences and similarities between semantics expressionsand grammar functions. It attempts to utilize related theories of functional grammar andcognitive grammar to provide reasonable explanations so as to unveil the various anddifferent functions of nominal and interrogative pronouns in the contemporary Chineselanguage system.The introduction includes four parts: objects of study and topic selection, currentresearch trends, research methods, significance and purpose of this study, relevantexplanations.The first chapter studies and analyzes three interrogative forms:“Shen Me(what)”and “what’s this?” and “What are these things?” It further compares semantics functions(indication function and modality function) of these three forms basing on depiction ofbasic semantics and functions of them. Afterwards, it depicts differences and similaritiesof syntax distribution and unveils factors which restrict its distribution, such assemantics, styles and context.The second chapter studies interrogative phrases which function in querying anincident, namely,“Shen Me(what)?”“What happens?”“What are these incidents?”Firstly, the author fully depicts similarities and differences among these three terms. Forexample, semantic ambiguity of “Shen Me(what)?” definitiveness of “What happens?”and “What are these incidents?” Semantic richness of “What happens?” Powerfulsubjective feature of “What are these incidents?” It also depicts distribution of theseinterrogative expressions so as to analyze differences of expressive functions. Itdiscusses how semantics, styles and contexts can affect distributions of these threeitems.The last chapter concludes the entire essay. It makes conclusive explanations of“Shen Me(what)” and “Shen Me(what)+NShiWu（Things）” in terms of semantics andsimilarities as well as differences of its functions. The last chapter attempts to explainthese two terms with language theories. It also explains interactions betweendistributions of these two so as to further analyze connections between “ShenMe(what)” and “Shen Me(what)+NShiWu（Things）” in terms of exclamation meanings.