On the Discourse Functions of Biede Bushuo Based on Pragma-Dialectical Theory

This study endeavors to elucidate the discourse functions of biede bushuo (别的不说) ‘leaving aside other aspects’ in mandarin Chinese. On the basis of corpus data, we mainly start from the perspective of pragma-dialectical theory, so as to carry out an analysis on occurrences of biede bushuo in argumentative discourse. Furthermore, we argue the functions in the four stages of critical discussion in argumentative discourse, and it can draw the conclusions of follows initially. At the confrontation and opening stage, biede bushuo can appear in the vicinity of a topic to select and restrict this topic; at the stage of argumentation, the expression can be employed in constructing the argument chaining that follows it; at the concluding stage, it lays emphasis on the authority of the conclusion. This research will help not only to broaden the understanding of the functional aspects of discourse markers but also to deepen philosophical reflections on the intrinsic argumentative nature embedded within language.