The functions of le in Dunhuang Bianwen : A discussion of the emergence of le as the perfective aspect marker in Chinese

This article is a comprehensive investigatory survey and analysis of the usages of 了 LE in Dunhuang Bianwen from the perspective of syntactic form, information structure, and pragmatic function based on the usage-based construction grammar theory and Hopper's notion about the perfective properties. Syntactically, the gradually formed V LE as one verb compound to take an object by analogizing the form V QUE O motivates the formation of the novel structure V LE O. Pragmatically, the need for a form to highlight the new information in a closed event with sequential activities under a swift situation in narrative discourse promotes the emergence of LE as the perfective aspect particle. The application of focus provides a window to observe the changes of LE from the focus on the predicate verb LE solely in the form V O LE , to the predicate V LE in which LE as a verb complement is the part of predicative focus in the form V LE , and eventually to the entire closed event in which LE as a perfective aspect particle to emphasize the event as a whole in the form V LE O. This study demonstrates that syntactic changes, analogization of existing grammar patterns, discourse needs in the specific usage context and pragmatic expressivity in communication all contribute to the emergence of LE as the perfective aspect marker. 摘要: 本文参照基于使用的构式语法理论并借鉴 Hopper 提出的完成体属性的 学说对敦煌变文中"了"的用法从句法形式，信息结构和语用功能进 行全面深入的调查与分析。从句法上讲，"动+了"成为一个合成动 词然后类比语法结构"动+却+宾"带上宾语促成了新结构"动+了+ 宾"的形成。从语用上看，在速动叙述语境下强调连贯活动中整体事 件新信息的表达需要促使了完成体助词" 了"的产生。通过观察 "了"的焦点变化，可以看到在"动+宾+了"的结构中，谓语动词 "了"是唯一的焦点；在动+了的结构中，谓语"动了"是焦点， "了"作为动词补语是焦点中的一部分；而在"动+了+宾"的结构 中，整个结构成为焦点，"了"作为一个动态助词强调整个事件的完 整性。本研究证明句法形式的变化，句法结构的类比，具体语境使用 的需要和交际中的语用表达力都为完成体标记"了"的产生做出了贡 献。