Temporal dynamics of alignment: unveiling new semantic dimensions in interpreting the illocutionary particle ne in Japanese
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Harumi Minagawa
Abstract
Studies agree that the core function of the illocutionary particle ne is expressing alignment of the interlocutors’ internal worlds. However, ne yields various and sometimes seemingly unrelated interpretations and functions such as soliciting agreement, asking for confirmation, reporting, keeping the floor, getting attention, expressing strong refusal, etc. Employing Kamio’s overarching categories of Obligatory and Optional ne, this study evaluates these two types of ne systematically in light of criteria not previously utilized in other studies, focusing on whether the speaker thinks there is alignment or wants there to be alignment between their internal world and the addressee’s at the time of utterance. The study further argues that proposing two distinct functions of ne helps explain the covert semantic links between the sentence-final ne and ne that occurs in positions other than sentence-final position. Additionally, the study argues for a cultural rationale for the use of ne in interactions in Japanese.
Acknowledgments
I would like to dedicate this paper to the late Professor Mieko Ohso, one of my first teachers, who introduced me to the joy of studying Japanese linguistics. Her work is significantly referenced in this paper. My warm appreciation goes to Dr Yoko Yonezawa of the University of Sydney, who inspired the inception of this study and conducted a data survey to test the validity of the classification proposed here. I am deeply grateful to Associate Professor Nerida Jarkey of the University of Sydney for her advice on tightening the organization of this paper and her thoughtful editing throughout. I also extend my gratitude to my trusted colleague, Dr Wayne Lawrence of the University of Auckland, for his proofreading.
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© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- Advancements in Japanese linguistics: diverse perspectives
- Articles
- Stem inalterability in Japonic
- Restructuring and focus in Japanese
- When syntax and semantics of compounds matter to voicing alternations: an experimental investigation of effects of grammatical relation on rendaku
- Temporal dynamics of alignment: unveiling new semantic dimensions in interpreting the illocutionary particle ne in Japanese
- Discourse analysis of “just chatting” streams on YouTube live: focusing on the interaction between virtual YouTubers and viewers
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Editorial
- Advancements in Japanese linguistics: diverse perspectives
- Articles
- Stem inalterability in Japonic
- Restructuring and focus in Japanese
- When syntax and semantics of compounds matter to voicing alternations: an experimental investigation of effects of grammatical relation on rendaku
- Temporal dynamics of alignment: unveiling new semantic dimensions in interpreting the illocutionary particle ne in Japanese
- Discourse analysis of “just chatting” streams on YouTube live: focusing on the interaction between virtual YouTubers and viewers
