Attention Must be Paid to the Semantic Context of Function Words

Abstract

This paper chiefly argues that due attention should be paid to the semantic contexts of function words in Chinese language teaching and research. By citing actual usages of function words, the paper elaborates on why importance should be attached to the research on the semantic contexts of function words. To substantiate the argument, the paper has examined in detail the particular semantic contexts in which fǎn’ér, emphatic negative adverbs bìnɡ and yòu, and ànshuō are used. The examination sets an example of how to analyze the semantic contexts of function words. It is pointed out that foreign learners of Chinese should be acquainted with the semantic contexts of function words in order that they thoroughly understand the meaning and usage of function words and avoid errors in their application.