Studies of Chinese Linguistics: Functional Approaches

The nine essays in this volume present the most recent developments in the study of Chinese linguistic research using functional approaches. Topics discussed in the volume include Chinese typology, word order variation, word formation, semantic change, cognition, discourse analysis, interface among syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, and grammaticalization.

Studies of Chinese Linguistics will be a valuable and stimulating reference for graduate students and researchers interested in functional linguistics. Readers in general and applied linguistics will also appreciate the insights it offers into the interaction of Chinese form and function.

Janet Zhiqun Xing is Professor of Chinese and Linguistics at Western Washington University. Her research interest includes discourse analysis, grammaticalization, semantic change, and pedagogical grammar of Chinese.

“Readers will find abundant rewards in this new addition to the functional literature on Chinese grammar. Collectively, its chapters cover cognitive, typological, diachronic, and usage-based approaches to linguistic structure. Individually, each essay makes a unique and significant contribution with a bold hypothesis, supported by exceptionally well-argued and richly exemplified analyses, which sheds thought-provoking new light on the relationship between form and function in Chinese.” -- Sandra A. Thompson, Professor of Linguistics, University of California, Santa Barbara

“This collection eloquently speaks for the most recent developments in the functional approaches to the study of Chinese linguistics. By bringing together some of the representative researchers in a comprehensive discussion of Chinese form and function, this book certainly brings an insightful and wide-ranging reflection on how the Chinese language works the way it does.” -- Chauncey C. Chu, Professor Emeritus of Chinese and Linguistics, University of Florida