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August 16, 2025

Pragmatic functions of lê ‘what’ in Longxi Qiang

Key Points

The pronoun lê serves multiple functions, primarily functioning as an interactional tool rather than a question indicator.
Observing data from ten hours of conversation, it was found that lê is used more for context than information-seeking.
The study identifies lê used as a negative stance marker, with implications on how questions are framed in conversation.
Understanding lê's role can enhance insight into the nuances of communication in Longxi Qiang, particularly regarding negativity in interactions.

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the pragmatic functions of Longxi Qiang interrogative pronoun lê (‘what’) in natural conversation. Based on approximately ten hours of transcribed data, we found that lê is used in question and non-question functions such as filler, reversed polarity question marker, attention attractor, negative stance marker, non-specific referent, general extender, and universal term. Most instances of lê in the data serve various interactional functions rather than seeking information. The non-question functions of lê are related to negative, rather than positive, meaning; for example, negative evaluation, stance, or providing little to no information of the referents under discussion.

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Wuxi Zheng

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Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA)

Pragmatic functions of lê ‘what’ in Longxi Qiang

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