Speech in interaction: Mandarin particle Le as a marker of intersubjectivity

Adopting a discourse-analysis approach, we argue in line with van den Berg and Wu (2006) in showing that the particle le in Mandarin serves as a common ground coordination device, exhibiting a high degree of intersubjectivity, which is absent in the use of verbal -le. However, in view of the limit imposed by the data type of previous research, we observe the turn-taking behavior in natural, spontaneous, spoken data to further consolidate van den Berg and Wu‟s proposal. We argue that use of natural, spontaneous spoken data is essential in furthering our understanding of linguistic forms and their associated functions. Through this study, we hope we will be able to show and confirm the importance of data type in both the theoretical and pedagogical aspects of linguistic research.