单复数互转的语用功能

单、复数在有"数"范畴的语言中是一种语法范畴。在无"数"的语言中至多是一种语义范畴。然而,复数单用或单数复用可能会收到特殊的语用效果,如:复数单用具有谦敬功能;单数复用具有贬抑功能。而这些语用功能中,最常见的是复数单用的谦敬功能。从此角度可以解释诸如第二人称单数代词向第二人称敬称代词的语法化、能指与所指非对应式第三人称代词回指现象、阜宁话中的"侬家"放在人称代词后表示对别人的尊敬等很多语言现象,也可以预测语言发展趋势。

The Pragmatics' Function of Mutual Convert between Singular and Plural

The singular and plural are a kind of grammar category in the language with the number category. They are a kind of semantic category in the language without the number category at most. But using plural instead of singular and using singular instead of plural actually produce special pragmatics' effect sometimes,such as showing modesty for oneself and respect or degrading attitude for others. A common one is to show modesty for oneself and respect for others. In this view, we can explain many linguistic phenomena, such as the anaphora of the third personal pronoun whose referent is not in harmony with its signifier, the grammaticalization of the second personal plural pronoun toward the second personal pronoun with respecting colors, the usage of "nong ga" in the Funing dialect. Still, we can dope out the direction of language development.