An Addition to the Prefixes of Japanese Language: Morpheme <i>do-</i>

Abstract

This research unveils a morphological entity/unit of modern Japanese with a clear affix nature – morpheme do- – that lacks analysis in the works of Russian and English-speaking scientific audience and that should – according to its morphotactical characteristics (the way it behaves in morphological surroundings) – be assessed as a prefix. The prefix’s etymology, sociolinguistical implications and semantic intricacies are outlined by the author (in particular, the difference between «super-, very» and «too much» use cases) based on the research of Japanese authors. Another important clarification is made in regard to the vernacular, obscenity-related element of the prefix, with a strong accent on the fact that the prefix has been widely used even on national television and is gradually becoming a part of common language with a high non-obscene application range. In terms of functional performance, this emphatic affix fills in the gap that 超 chou- had a hard time filling due to various limitations. Do- is highly compatible with various parts of speech, including nouns, adjectives, adverbs and even – to a lesser extent – verbs. Although there’s some overlap between the two, the relationship is clearly tandemic. A small listing of words (dictionary) compiled out of different sources (including everyday conversations) is provided at the end of the work for future reference. Certain misconceptions of prefix o- are outlined and corrected with presentation of a slightly different perspective. Other prefixes of rare listing are also mentioned briefly and reflected upon in the context of modern language.