HUMA PhD Thesis Presentation - Exploring Disjunctions in Chinese: A Comprehensive Analysis of Distinctions, Usage, and Historical Development

Abstract:

This study explores the absence of the term “general or” in Chinese and the challenges this presents. Previous English-oriented studies have traditionally analyzed linguistic disjunctions, such as A or B, closely mirroring the logical interpretation A∨B. However, Chinese lacks a direct linguistic equivalent for the logical connector ∨, leading to the use of various constructions in disjunctive scenarios. This study aims to illuminate the knowledge network of disjunctions in Chinese—a nuanced concept that straddles conjunction and negation.

Beginning with top-down approaches, this study examines scope-interpretation issues across four constructions: A háishi B, A huòzhe B, huòzhe A huòzhe B, and yàome A yàome B. This expands the traditional discussion from English or to a broader range of Chinese disjunctions.

To further dissect the interpretations of Chinese disjunctions, a strategy-based investigation reveals how language practices interact with our linguistic comprehension. By comparing how linguistic strategies vary in different disjunctive scenarios, this study aims to illustrate the key external experiences that shape our internal understanding of disjunctive relations.

To bridge the top-down and bottom-up approaches, the study includes an examination of the usage of Chinese disjunctions in natural discourse. This analysis not only maps usage patterns to existing interpretation frameworks but also identifies additional functions of disjunctions in facilitating discourse.

The final section presents a historical study of the emergence and development of Chinese disjunctions, synthesizing earlier issues through dynamic analysis. Ultimately, this study establishes a cohesive knowledge network of Chinese disjunctions that integrates concepts, linguistic structures, and their communicative uses.