Chapter 1 Introduction 1
1.1 Definition of cataphora 1
1.2 A preliminary survey of literature 6
1.3 Objective and methodology 11
1.4 Organization of the thesis 13
Chapter 2 Sentential Cataphora and Its Function:Review and Critique 16
2.1 Cataphora in English 16
2.1.1 Van Hoek and the"P+N"pattern 18
2.1.2 Sentential cataphora and its function 34
2.2 Cataphora in Chinese 40
2.2.1 Van Hoek(1997)'s influence 40
2.2.2 Cataphora and TC:Li(2004) 44
2.2.2.1 Zero cataphora and"chain-initial cataphoric links" 45
2.2.2.2 TC and/or sentence:Li's"sentence-initial anaphoric links" 48
2.2.2.3 Function of cataphora:Li(2004)'s interpretation 59
2.3 Summary 73
Chapter 3 Interpreting Cataphora:Accessibility,Iconicity,and Markedness 75
3.1 Topic continuity and NP accessibility 76
3.1.1 Topic continuity 78
3.1.2 Topic activation and NP accessibility(？-P-N) 83
3.2 Action continuity 89
3.2.1 Action continuity in-ing 91
3.2.2 Preposed vs.Postposed-ing(V-ing vs.v-ing） 94
3.2.2.1 On V-ing 94
3.2.2.2 On v-ing 98
3.2.2.3 V-ing vs.v-ing 99
3.2.3 Arguing against syntactic backgrounding 105
3.2.3.1 Confusion over"grounding" 105
3.2.3.2 -ing as"subordination" 108
3.2.3.3 -ing as ADV 111
3.2.3.4 Categorizing V-ing 114
3.3 Anteriority and relative grounding 117
3.3.1 Time in narration:tense and aspect 117
3.3.2 Grammatical vs.inherent aspect 119
3.3.3 Perfective past(-ed) 120
3.3.4 The perfect 121
3.3.5 The imperfective(progressive/on-going) 126
3.3.6 Verb aspect:events vs.states 131
3.3.7 Inherent aspect and grounding 135
3.3.8 Passivity 141
3.4 Summary 147
Chapter 4 Cataphora in Chinese:Iconicity,Economy and Relative Grounding 149
4.1 Zero-prominence vs.P-prominence(？vs.P) 150
4.1.1 Pronunciation 153
4.1.2 Ellipsis 156
4.1.3 Linearity/Iconicity 157
4.2 Iconicity in Chinese 158
4.2.1 Perfectivity and hierarchy of aspect 162
4.2.1.1 Inherent perfectivity(V-R/VV) 162
4.2.1.2 Compulsory aspect 170
4.2.2 “Where not to use-了1” 171
4.2.3 Case analysis 175
4.2.3.1 The case of看1 175
4.2.3.2 The case of到1 177
4.2.3.3 Coherence bridge 180
4.3 Summary 183
Chapter 5 Conclusion 186
Bibliography 193