The Semantic Features and Construal Mechanisms of the Expectational Negative Adverb Kong in Mandarin

This paper examines the synchronic semantic features and pragmatic functions, as well as construal mechanisms of the adverb kong in Mandarin from multiple perspectives. First, it introduces the phenomenon of implicit negation in Mandarin and the main issues of this paper in the introduction part. Then, the synchronous semantic versatility of kong in Mandarin are summarized in the second part, revealing its implicit negative features that differ from dominant negation in the third part. Furthermore, the fourth part analyzes the expectational negative function brought about by the implicit negation of kong and extracts the speaker’s intentions during speech communication from extensive natural language materials. This paper finds that the adverb kong carries implicit negative meaning, enabling it to negate the shared expectations of both conversational participants. These expectations represent the felicity condition, where both parties believe the proposition should have been met. The expectational negation reflects various subjective intentions of the speaker, such as the belief that the VP-event should not occur or that the VP-event should yield specific results. It also showcases ultimate humanistic care through empathy with the listener.