This paper comprehensively describes the functions of the conjectural particle [mɐt55 tsei21] in the Yangjiang Yue dialect, along with its pragmatic functions. It contrasts [mɐt55 tsei21] with [kwa33] in the Guangfu Yue dialect and [pa0] in Mandarin. Based on a synchronic analysis, the study reconstructs the grammaticalization pathway and pragmatic extension trajectory of [mɐt55 tsei21], while exploring the origin of its conjectural meaning. The findings demonstrate that [mɐt55 tsei21] has undergone a grammaticalization process from conjectural adverb to conjectural particle. Both of its pragmatic functions emerging in discourse derive directly from the pragmatic extensions of its core conjectural semantics. Furthermore, the conjectural semantics likely originate from the earlier function of [mɐt55 tsei21] as a degree adverb. This functional expansion not only represents a new case of the adverb > modal particle grammaticalization pattern in the Yue dialect but also corroborates the cross-linguistically attested extension model: quantity > epistemic modality > pragmatic function, which is observed in Chinese and even the world languages.
Key words
Yangjiang Yue dialect /
[mɐt55 tsei21] /
conjectural modality /
grammaticalization /
pragmatic extension
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