最值得纪念的一页。

My most sincere gratitude to:

• Associate Professor Lee Cher Leng, Deputy Head of the Department of Chinese Studies. Thank you for your patience and kind guidance. This thesis would not have been made possible without your advice and support.

• All the teachers of the Department of Chinese Studies. Thank you all for helping me discover my passion and realizing my potential.

• My supportive family: Ma and Pa, thank you for having trust in me. Xiao long and meow meow, thank you for all the wonderful moments.

• Dian Fang, thank you for always being there for me.

• Zigui, Shihui, Mildred, Esther, Shao Yen and Jia Qian. Thank you for your generous help in this project. Your participation made the project much more enjoyable.

• Friends from Honours Class 2006/2007. Chuhui, this learning journey would not be as memorable without your company. Siyi, Huixiu, Weixian, Renee and Huijun, thank you all for helping me with the transcripts.

• My old pals from DHS. Thank you all for being ever so understanding and often helping me to see things in perspective. Especially Wanyun and Wanshi, you gals are always there to lend a listening ear when I’m down.