On the mechanisms of presuppositions in Chinese media narratives about the Sino-US trade conflict

Abstract

This study investigates whether the taxonomies of presupposition triggers, as proposed by Levinson (1983) for the English language, are applicable in Chinese-language contexts and whether any Chinese linguistic devices can be found to operate as presupposition carriers that do not easily fit Levinson’s categories. Furthermore, to explore how presuppositions function as implicit tools when it comes to shaping frames of interpretation, we analyse their use in Chinese official press narratives about the Sino-US trade conflict from March to December 2018. Findings demonstrate that most of the English-language triggers are also salient in the Chinese language. Moreover, other specific Chinese presupposition-carrying devices are discussed as well. Above all, the analysis illustrates how presuppositions fulfil various roles in the communication exchange. In a sensitive context, such as the present Sino-US trade conflict, backgrounded information in the guise of presuppositions constitutes a potentially powerful tool to influence audience uptake.