On the Aspect Mark “Zai” of Danjiang Dialect and its Origin

In many Chinese dialects,the aspect mark is originated from zai zhe(na) li,which can be proved by the mark in Danjiang dialect.In Danjiang dialect,the sentence-final aspect mark is the abbreviation of zai li in the end of the verb structure,not from indicating existence.Grammaticalized zai zhe(na)li in the end of the verb phrases indicates continuance,and is in common with grammaticalized zai zhe(na) liin front of verbs in origin,which are the result of grammaticalization of prepositional object in their own positions.