An utterance-transcending connector
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Yuko Sugita
Abstract
This research project is based on the hypothesis that each language has specific linguistic means of realizing interactants’ processes of speaking, listening, reacting and interacting. In this paper, I will examine the so-called quotative particle to in utterance-final position in the speech action of “reporting” in a Japanese business-meeting constellation. With the use of utterance-final to, the speaker gives the hearer a cue to process a prior utterance as information relevant to the chaining-final utterance, which is yet to come. It is an utterance-transcending connector operating the hearer’s information processing. Analysing the use of the particle, I will argue that the parallel observed in Japanese discourse and grammar is grounded in automated, high-speed information processing, as elaborated by Givón (2005).
Abstract
This research project is based on the hypothesis that each language has specific linguistic means of realizing interactants’ processes of speaking, listening, reacting and interacting. In this paper, I will examine the so-called quotative particle to in utterance-final position in the speech action of “reporting” in a Japanese business-meeting constellation. With the use of utterance-final to, the speaker gives the hearer a cue to process a prior utterance as information relevant to the chaining-final utterance, which is yet to come. It is an utterance-transcending connector operating the hearer’s information processing. Analysing the use of the particle, I will argue that the parallel observed in Japanese discourse and grammar is grounded in automated, high-speed information processing, as elaborated by Givón (2005).
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- Connectivity as an object of linguistics 1
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Aspects of language change and language acquisition
- Grammaticalization of converb constructions 21
- Contact, connectivity and language evolution 51
- Allora 75
- Some notes on the syntax–pragmatics interface in bilingual children 101
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Pronouns, topics and subjects
- Distribution and function of clitic object pronouns in popular16th-18th century Greek narratives 139
- Nominative subjects of non-finite clauses in Hiberno-English 165
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Finiteness in text and discourse
- Aspectotemporal connectivity in Turkic 187
- Connectivity by means of finite elements in monolingual and bilingual Turkish discourse 199
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Subordination – coordination
- Alternative subordination strategies in Turkish 231
- Studying connectivity with the help of computer-readable corpora 259
- Discourse coordination in Turkish monolingual and Turkish-German bilingual children’s talk: işte 291
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Adverbials, particles and constructions
- Modal adverbs as discourse markers 329
- „So, given this common theme...“ 345
- An utterance-transcending connector 367
- Between connectivity and modality 395
- Matrix constructions 419
- Language index 449
- Name index 451
- Subject index 457
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- Connectivity as an object of linguistics 1
-
Aspects of language change and language acquisition
- Grammaticalization of converb constructions 21
- Contact, connectivity and language evolution 51
- Allora 75
- Some notes on the syntax–pragmatics interface in bilingual children 101
-
Pronouns, topics and subjects
- Distribution and function of clitic object pronouns in popular16th-18th century Greek narratives 139
- Nominative subjects of non-finite clauses in Hiberno-English 165
-
Finiteness in text and discourse
- Aspectotemporal connectivity in Turkic 187
- Connectivity by means of finite elements in monolingual and bilingual Turkish discourse 199
-
Subordination – coordination
- Alternative subordination strategies in Turkish 231
- Studying connectivity with the help of computer-readable corpora 259
- Discourse coordination in Turkish monolingual and Turkish-German bilingual children’s talk: işte 291
-
Adverbials, particles and constructions
- Modal adverbs as discourse markers 329
- „So, given this common theme...“ 345
- An utterance-transcending connector 367
- Between connectivity and modality 395
- Matrix constructions 419
- Language index 449
- Name index 451
- Subject index 457
