Chapter 12. Pronouns in affinal avoidance registers
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Nicole Kruspe
Abstract
Affinal avoidance registers are strategies of restrained linguistic conduct in relation to one’s in-laws. Current theories are primarily concerned with two types of strategies: (1) taboos on uttering the proper names of affines, and (2) substitution of everyday words with dedicated parallel lexicon in the presence of affines (so-called “mother-in-law languages”). However, the role of pronouns has received limited attention. Here we explore little-known registers in the Aslian languages (Austroasiatic, Malay Peninsula), where dedicated pronoun paradigms take centre stage in communication with and about in-laws. We characterise and compare these closely related but internally diverse systems, situate them in their cultural contexts, and discuss their status in relation to current theories and typologies of avoidance and honorific registers.
Abstract
Affinal avoidance registers are strategies of restrained linguistic conduct in relation to one’s in-laws. Current theories are primarily concerned with two types of strategies: (1) taboos on uttering the proper names of affines, and (2) substitution of everyday words with dedicated parallel lexicon in the presence of affines (so-called “mother-in-law languages”). However, the role of pronouns has received limited attention. Here we explore little-known registers in the Aslian languages (Austroasiatic, Malay Peninsula), where dedicated pronoun paradigms take centre stage in communication with and about in-laws. We characterise and compare these closely related but internally diverse systems, situate them in their cultural contexts, and discuss their status in relation to current theories and typologies of avoidance and honorific registers.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. N-V-T, a framework for the analysis of social dynamics in address pronouns 17
- Chapter 2. When we means you 35
- Chapter 3. A socio-semiotic approach to the personal pronominal system in Brazilian Portuguese 57
- Chapter 4. Address pronouns and alternatives 75
- Chapter 5. T-V address practices in Italian 99
- Chapter 6. Forms and functions of the French personal pronouns in social interactions and literary texts 133
- Chapter 7. The dynamics of Nepali pronominal distinctions in familiar, casual and formal relationships 151
- Chapter 8. The Chinese pronominal system and identity construction via self-reference 205
- Chapter 9. Pronouns in an 18th century Chinese novel 219
- Chapter 10. Me, myself, and ako 235
- Chapter 11. Address, reference and sequentiality in Indonesian conversation 253
- Chapter 12. Pronouns in affinal avoidance registers 289
- Index 319
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. N-V-T, a framework for the analysis of social dynamics in address pronouns 17
- Chapter 2. When we means you 35
- Chapter 3. A socio-semiotic approach to the personal pronominal system in Brazilian Portuguese 57
- Chapter 4. Address pronouns and alternatives 75
- Chapter 5. T-V address practices in Italian 99
- Chapter 6. Forms and functions of the French personal pronouns in social interactions and literary texts 133
- Chapter 7. The dynamics of Nepali pronominal distinctions in familiar, casual and formal relationships 151
- Chapter 8. The Chinese pronominal system and identity construction via self-reference 205
- Chapter 9. Pronouns in an 18th century Chinese novel 219
- Chapter 10. Me, myself, and ako 235
- Chapter 11. Address, reference and sequentiality in Indonesian conversation 253
- Chapter 12. Pronouns in affinal avoidance registers 289
- Index 319
