The discourse function of the "zai(在)+location" structure

In Mandarin,the + structure can appear either before or after the verb.Some researchers assume that these two constructions have the identical grammatical meaning and semantic function.This paper argues that the + location + structure highlights the of the action,while the state verb + zai + one highlights the of the objects.Therefore,they have different pragmatic functions:narrative vs.depictive.From the perspective of discourse,this paper attempts to show that it is the speaker's motive that determines the choice of these two constructions.It finds that the + location + construction expresses a foreground event,whereas the state verb + zai + one introduces the location of a later event.