The Characteristics and Types of Korean Minor Sentences

Abstract

This study examined the definition, characteristics, and types of Korean minor sentences―often used in the spoken language–comparing them to full sentences of the written language. A minor sentence is one in which different forms of words or phrases are used to perform a specific discourse function. The discourse function of minor sentences can be clearly understood only when the context of the conversation is taken into account. The morphological characteristics of Korean minor sentences are that words or phrases of minor sentences are diverted from different words or phrases. In all sentences, including minor sentences, modality, where speakers restrict the target situation, is realized since even minor sentences are considered sentences. Based on their forms and structures, minor sentences can be classified into the following types: noun (phrase) minor sentences, verb (phrase) minor sentences, adverb (phrase) minor sentences, determiner (phrase) minor sentences, copula (phrase) minor sentences, and primitive form minor sentences.