On the Epistemic Expectation of le₂: A Case Study of Chinese Conditionals

This paper explores the subjectivity of le₂, focusing on Chinese conditionals. Based on CP split theory, it argues that le₂ indicating the subjective attitude is located at the head of CP_attitude and scopes over the whole conditional proposition. By exploiting relevant diagnostics, it concludes that the subjectivity imposed on le₂ is reflected in the epistemic expectation of the speaker, who assigns the involved event an extremely high or even total probability. Le₂ is hence considered as epistemic expectation marker. Furthermore, this paper provides a unified account for the hypothetical /counterfactual reading associated with le-conditionals: The hypothetical reading results from the evaluation of the speaker that the proposition is consistent with her expectation, whereas the counterfactual reading arises when the speaker’s expectation contradicts with the actual state of affairs. In the latter case, le₂ triggers counterfactuality manifested in the counter-expectation. This non-harmony at the pragmatic level also explains why le₂ attached at the consequence of conditionals generally gives rise to exclamation.