This paper focuses on the prototypical meaning and use of Chinese result connectives, kejian, suoyi, yinci, and yushi (all meaning ‘so/therefore’) in the framework of integrated subjectivity (Li et al., 2013; Spooren et al., 2010; Xiao et al., submitted). In this approach, a causal relation signalled by each of the connectives is analyzed in terms of four subjectivity-related features: the domain of relation (Sweetser, 1990); the propositional attitude expressed in the result segment (Q) (Lyons, 1977, 1982); who (if anyone) is the subject of consciousness (SoC) responsible for the causal reasoning (Pander Maat & Sanders, 2001); and how is the SoC linguistically realized (Langacker, 1990). Corpus studies have shown that connectives differ systematically in the way they reflect these subjectivity features, “affect the construction of meaning representation and facilitate the integration of linguistic information in the reader’s discourse representation” (Anderson, 2016:20).

      The approach outlined above analyzes linguistic forms like the personal pronouns, the implicit/explicit and integrated/fragmented characteristics of the language. Linguistic forms are dependent on communication channels (Biber, 1986; Chafe, 1982).By taking into account the role of medium, the current study extends previous studies on Chinese result connectives which have focused on written discourse.

       A total of 600 fragments (50 instances for each of the three media, signaled by kejian, suoyi, yinci, and yushi) will be coded. A pilot study of 30% of the data was used to conduct general log-linear analyses for the best fit model for the relationship between connective, subjectivity and medium. We find that, irrespective of medium types, kejian specializes in signaling relations of epistemic domain wherein Qs are subjective conclusions drawn by first person SoCs; yushi is predominant in volitional content relations and Qs of intentional physical acts performed by third person SoCs; yinci has a significant tendency for non-volitional content relations and unintentional facts involving no SoCs; suoyi is underspecified in that it signals equally both objective and subjective relations. The interaction connective* linguistic realization of SoC appears sensitive to medium influence. 

       Seen from the preliminary results, the specific subjectivity profile of each connective under study is robust across medium at large. In the final paper, we will include all data in the analysis. This will enable us to draw conclusions about the subjectivity profiles of these connectives. The paper will also discuss theoretical implications.

 

Key words:  result connective, subjectivity, Mandarin discourse, medium

 

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