Discourse Functions of Zero Pronouns in Tai Dam

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the zero pronouns in Tai Dam on the basis of a discourse approach using Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG). The objectives of this paper are as follows: (1) to explore the syntactic distribution of zero pronouns in Tai Dam, and (2) to analyze the discourse function of zero pronouns in the narrative discourses of Tai Dam. The research data used in this paper were collected from the texts of Tai Dam folktales of the people living in Petchaburi Province in central Thailand. Five folktales were analyzed for the study. The main findings include the following: (a) Zero pronouns can occur in both Theme and Rheme positions; (b) In thematic positions, they function as unmarked topical themes; (c) As for discourse functions of zero pronouns in terms of co-references, the two types of co-reference of zero pronouns in Tai Dam include zero anaphora and zero cataphora; (d) The main discourse functions of zero pronouns are to signal an active referent in narrative discourse and to highlight a participant through emphasis.