A Study of the Discourse Functions of the Chinese ConstructionBie X Lein a Text

The Chinese construction bie X lehas three discourse functions including repeating the same word to continue the discourse, providing semantic summary to connect the discourse, and interrupting speech to taking over the discourse. These functions originated from dissuasion and prohibition denoted by the adverb bie.Due to the principle of similarity within the family configuration, the subordinate constructions of bie X leall convey the meaning of prohibition. As a result, the discourse functions are close to prohibition and negation. Typical words can enter the construction under its obligatory role. After internal semantic adjustment, the words can also generate the discourse functions of interrupting and prohibiting speech.