Word order as an interface between syntax and pragmatics: The case of identifying topics in mixed case-marking patterns in Mandarin Chinese

The typological classification of Mandarin Chinese as an isolating language lacking inflection brings about a theoretical consideration that word order in Mandarin serves as an interface between syntax and pragmatics. This paper provides from typological perspective a unified framework to examine the role that word order in Mandarin plays in marking case as well as topics. The study finds that Mandarin exhibits a mixed case-marking pattern through word order, namely that nominative-accusative pattern coexists with ergative-absolutive pattern. Both of the two case-marking patterns allow intra-clausal topics and extra-clausal topics, and it is the intra-clausal topics rather than the extra-clausal ones that are associated with case-marking patterns. With respect to the intra-clausal topics, in nominative-accusative pattern, topic assignment in unmarked constructions is A/S oriented, whereas in ergative-absolutive pattern, topic assignment in unmarked two/three-argument constructions is post-ba P oriented, and topic assignment in unmarked one-argument constructions is preverbal-S oriented. In light of the two case-marking patterns, context-independent topics in various constructions can be identified, and thus the controversial issue of distinguishing topics from other arguments can be properly addressed.