On Functions of Japanese ~toiu in So-called Suspended-sentence : An Investigation on Usage as a Sentence-final Particle

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  • 「言いさし文」における「という」の諸用法 : 終助詞的用法に関する一考察
  • 「 イイサシ ブン 」 ニ オケル 「 ト イウ 」 ノ ショ ヨウホウ : シュウ ジョシテキ ヨウホウ ニ カンスル イチ コウサツ

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Abstract

In this paper I focus on the functions of ~toiu (~teiu as one of the colloquial variants) in discourse and take an empirical study on it. Based on data which is recorded from discourse, I analyze, although ~toiu is regarded originally as "suspended-sentence" type element, it can actually be used by speakers to combine their statement with preceding ones, or to mark the end of their utterance. I apply the theoretical framework of Shirakawa (2009), who proposes alternative view against traditional grammar. A comprehensive study by Shirakawa (2009) proposes that conjunctive subordinate clauses utilizing i.e. ~kedo, ~kara or ~shi can be used without main clauses in discourse level. He argues that it reveals the fact that they show a certain attitude of a speaker during a discourse. Firstly I argue that this function does not match with any traditonal categories of ~toiu which traditional grammar of the Japanese language presents. Secondly, I categorize this usage into two categories, according to Shirakawa (2009). Then, I point out that the usage as "terminated-sentence" has a similar function to sentence-final particles, which show a certain behavior of a speaker, i.e. taking a cynical attitude towards state of affairs. Then I make an explanation on these "~toiu"-constructions by taking into account the metalinguistic function of "~to (as a quotation marker)". I assume that ~toiu works as a marker of "meta-description" and draw the conclusion that it enables a speaker to express a state of affair as if one would not have been present in order to make an ironical nuance. Lastly, I show the process how ~toiu obtain the new function in discourse level, referring to the previous description by the traditional grammarians.

Journal

  • 言語科学論集

    言語科学論集 20 31-48, 2014-12

    Department of Linguistic Science, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University

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