Syntactic Distribution, Semantic Framework, and Pragmatic Function of the Modal Adverb Meizhun (Maybe)

摘要

This paper divides the term meizhun into five homographs based on its morphemic structure and usage, and focuses on the modal adverb form that means maybe in English. Meizhun (maybe) generally appears in assertive sentences and can be used with auxiliary verbs, conjunctions, and other adverbs. Sentences with this term share the stylised frame of logical semantics. Its main textual functions are inference and definition, and the use of this term, which is derived from meizhun (uncertainot sure), is now spreading rapidly among speakers of contemporary Chinese.