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Abstract

The sentence-final particle ba is frequently used in Chinese, yet its pragmatic functions in bargaining contexts remain challenging for second-language learners. This study investigates the use of ba in negotiation dialogues from the Hànyǔ Jiàochéng textbook series (Units 1 and 2), focusing on its role in maintaining politeness, protecting face, and facilitating agreement between interlocutors. Using a qualitative approach, each instance of ba was identified and analysed with reference to speech act theory, politeness principles, and the concept of face-threatening acts. The findings reveal that bastrengthens the speaker’s illocutionary force while mitigating potential discourtesy, reducing interactional tension, and providing interlocutors with space to accept or negotiate proposals. These functions help achieve successful bargaining outcomes. The study contributes to understanding pragmatic competence in Chinese as a foreign language and offers pedagogical insights for teaching sentence-final particles in negotiation contexts.

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Bahasa Abstract

Partikel final kalimat ba sering digunakan dalam bahasa Mandarin, namun fungsi pragmatisnya dalam konteks tawar-menawar masih menjadi tantangan bagi pembelajar bahasa kedua. Penelitian ini menganalisis penggunaan ba dalam dialog negosiasi pada buku ajar Hànyǔ Jiàochéng (Unit 1 dan 2), dengan menyoroti perannya dalam menjaga kesantunan, melindungi muka, dan memfasilitasi tercapainya kesepakatan antarpenutur. Dengan pendekatan kualitatif, setiap kemunculan ba diidentifikasi dan dianalisis berdasarkan teori tindak tutur, prinsip kesantunan, dan konsep ancaman muka. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ba dapat memperkuat daya ilokusi penutur sekaligus meredam potensi ketidaksantunan, mengurangi ketegangan interaksional, serta memberikan ruang bagi lawan tutur untuk menerima atau menegosiasikan usulan. Fungsi-fungsi ini mendukung tercapainya hasil negosiasi yang efektif. Kajian ini memberikan wawasan pedagogis mengenai kompetensi pragmatik dalam pembelajaran bahasa Mandarin sebagai bahasa asing, khususnya terkait pengajaran partikel final kalimat dalam konteks negosiasi.

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