The Mandarin rising-intoned; <i>Éi</i>; (诶) particle in third position | CU Experts

Abstract; ; This paper offers an analysis of rising-intoned; éi; in Mandarin conversation, specifically as it; is produced in the wake of question-answer sequences. Examining the particle’s use both as a stand-alone unit implementing its own; action, and as a preface to additional turn components and the actions thereby implemented, we argue that; éi; in; third position is best conceived of as a change-of-state token marking an epistemic discrepancy. Paralleling what has been argued; for Japanese; eh; , Mandarin; éi; flags something in the talk or environment as departing from the; speaker’s pre-existing knowledge, supposition, expectation, or orientation. In third position of a question-answer sequence, it is; the answer (produced in second position) that the; éi; targets and problematizes in this way, making relevant; subsequent conduct that works to resolve the discrepancy. In light of the fact that prior interactional research on Mandarin; éi; has focused largely on the particle’s use in sequence-initiating actions, the paper concludes with a; discussion of three possible theoretical accounts for the apparent diversity of its interactional functions.;

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