The Nuclear Stress Rule in Chinese

Abstract

This paper discusses the syntactic function of Nuclear Stress Rule (NSR) in Chinese; it is argued that the NSR is a central mechanism developed in the theory of prosodic syntax under which the interface effects between prosody and syntax are derived. It is shown that the NS not only carries the normal sentential stress but also manifests wide scope focus information. In answering confusions and criticisms raised by students and scholars in recent years, this paper provides some new facts with new analyses motivated by the Government-based Nuclear Stress Rule in Chinese.