A rough analysis of Cohesive Devices in Buddhist sermons conducted in the Chinese language

Abstract

Learning Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language is a popular trend in the modern world. Paying attention to sociolinguistic variations aids in the acquisition of the Chinese language. Similar to other living languages, specific expressions known as "Cohesive Devices" (referred to as Sumata Yedum), which smooth the flow of language, are observed in Chinese language usage. These expressions confirm that language is not merely mechanical, but rather a word play that facilitates internalization. Cohesive Devices are a qualitative feature common to language. While local sources such as K.N.O. Dharmadasa’s Bilingualism, Language and Society and J.B. Disanayaka’s Human Language, alongside foreign sources like M. Halliday’s work on Cohesive Devices in English and Thandar Aung’s study on the use of Cohesive Devices in English learning, provide a theoretical and practical understanding of these terms, this research stands as an independent study. Linguistically, Cohesive Devices constitute a linguistic convention. Buddhist religious sermons represent a specific context where this convention is utilized. The objective of this research is to broadly analyze the cohesive devices used in Chinese Buddhist sermons from a sociolinguistic perspective, with the expectation of conducting this analysis based on the internal principles and rules of sociolinguistics. The research problem investigates the characteristics of cohesive devices in spoken Chinese, whether their specificities are manifested during Buddhist religious sermons, and how they are significant in the process of Chinese language acquisition. The significance of the research lies in the linguistic identification of Cohesive Devices as a specific category of words or phrases in Chinese language usage. The study is limited to an analysis based on randomly selected observations. The research is conducted under a qualitative methodology, and data is collected using primary and secondary sources that describe the Chinese language and sociolinguistic contexts relevant to the subject. The study linguistically verifies how cohesive devices are used with specific distinctions in the Chinese language. Finally, it is concluded that Cohesive Devices are not merely a variety of spoken language but a specific type of expression that demonstrates the vitality and dynamic nature of usage, and that scientifically identifying them within the teaching and learning process facilitates Chinese language usage.