On the extended uses of -ki and -m nominalization constructions as face-threat mitigators in Korean

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate how Korean -ki and -m nominalization constructions have come to also express speaker stance. We first identify the semantic distinctions between Korean -ki and -m nominalization constructions in terms of their realis/irrealis semantics, then further examine how differences in their syntagmatic affinity—more specifically, their particular predisposition toward different types of complement-taking verbs—give rise to subtle differences in their stance marking functions. In addition, we also address how -ki and -m nominalization constructions have extended their functions and can now be used as face-threat mitigating devices. This study sheds light on how the inherent semantics of individual nominalization constructions and their syntagmatic relations facilitate the dynamic drifts of the nominalization constructions from referential to pragmatic uses.