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<p>Adopting the methodology of conversation analysis and interactional linguistics, this study explores some interactional uses of the interjectional response token <i>a</i> in natural Mandarin conversation. An investigation of the data reveals that <i>a</i> is primarily used in response to informings or extended tellings and fulfills the following three interactional functions: (1) conveying the speaker’s change in epistemic status; (2) working as a forward-looking newsmark; (3) indicating that some newly received information is contrary to the speaker’s expectation. It is also suggested that both the phonetic features of <i>a</i> and its sequential position are crucial factors that contribute to the interpretation of its meaning and exert influence on the construction of the next turn.</p>

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The interactional functions of the news response token A (啊) in Mandarin conversation

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月2日

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  • Hongyuan Liu,
  • Shuangyun Yao

摘要

Adopting the methodology of conversation analysis and interactional linguistics, this study explores some interactional uses of the interjectional response token a in natural Mandarin conversation. An investigation of the data reveals that a is primarily used in response to informings or extended tellings and fulfills the following three interactional functions: (1) conveying the speaker’s change in epistemic status; (2) working as a forward-looking newsmark; (3) indicating that some newly received information is contrary to the speaker’s expectation. It is also suggested that both the phonetic features of a and its sequential position are crucial factors that contribute to the interpretation of its meaning and exert influence on the construction of the next turn.