<scp>Sentence‐Final</scp> Particles in Mandarin ^*

Mandarin Chinese is rich in sentence-final particles, which have to follow a rigid linear order when they cluster. In much of the literature, researchers focus on clarifying functions individual with less attention being paid explanations their highly restricted order. Based corpus data and using framework Functional Discourse Grammar (FDG, Hengeveld & Mackenzie 2008), this paper explores questions particles can cluster why specific We show that maximally three cluster, we argue sequence by positioning strict four-layered hierarchical structure, each particle pertains semantic or pragmatic layer. addition, provide evidence there are operators at higher discourse level than so far assumed exist FDG.