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A Study on the Use of Auxiliary Verbs in Chinese Polite Expressions
Journal of Chinese Language and Literature
2015,
(70), pp.205-223
DOI : 10.15792/clsyn..70.201512.205
Publisher : Chinese Literary Society Of Yeong Nam
Research Area : Chinese Language and Literature
DOI : 10.15792/clsyn..70.201512.205
Publisher : Chinese Literary Society Of Yeong Nam
Research Area : Chinese Language and Literature
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The purpose of this study is to identify politeness through the use of auxiliary verbs and the grade of politeness according to the selection of auxiliary verbs from Chinese polite expressions perspective. This study examines the use of auxiliary verbs and relationship of polite expressions, based on the preceding studies on Chinese polite expressions and auxiliary verbs, and analyzes the meanings of auxiliary verb’s politeness via pragmatic analysis at conversation layers. This study also comparatively analyzes the degree of politeness according to the selection of auxiliary verbs. This study sets the auxiliary verbs meaning ‘need’, ‘must’, and ‘permission’ as basic study scope, and sets the auxiliary verbs judged to have the meaning or function of politeness as the study scope on the basis of the relationship of auxiliary verb’s modality meaning and politeness. Chinese auxiliary verb is also called ‘can-wish verb’, ‘modal auxiliary verb’, and ‘modal verb’. Modality indicates the subjective position or attitude that a speaker has on the sentences or speeches. Modality not only plays an important role for precise communication, but functions important in terms of politeness. All the Chinese auxiliary verbs are generally said to have the meaning of modality. Therefore, Chinese auxiliary verbs indicate polite expressions. The meaning and degree of politeness expressed by each auxiliary verb are not always absolute. In this regard, people need to use polite Chinese suitable for each situation by using proper auxiliary verbs according to pragmatic factors including the mutual relationship of speakers, conversation purpose and conversation place.
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