Discourse and interactional functions of the Japanese modal adverb Yahari/Yappari

Abstract

This paper analyzes meaning and function of the Japanese modal adverb yahari/yappari within a proposed framework of Discourse Modality. Yahari signals the relevant semantic connection (on the basis of similarity and conformity) between the proposition being expressed and a piece of assumed knowledge by way of four knowledge association types: Textual Knowledge, Social Knowledge, Knowledge for Conclusion, and Knowledge for Selection. Yahari offers three discourse pragmatic functions: foregrounding of speaker subjectivity, cohesion marking and cohesiveness marking. On the interactional level, yappari offers interpersonally expressive functions: as a rapport seeker, a hesitation marker, and as a filler which sometimes functions as a planner. The theoretical framework. Discourse Modality (DM), is proposed as a model within which the results of this study are most meaningfully interpreted. Yahari/yappari is a DM indicator with primary functions in the areas of epistemic modality, discourse-organizational modality and interactional modality, all of which construct the overall DM effects which constrain the semantic interpretation of yahari in a specific context.