Language：English  

File： SSDIS Newsletter - July 2023.pdf

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：John Benjamins Publishing Company  

Abstract

This study explores the role of cross-speaker repetition in creating interpersonal connections between interactants in Japanese. The analysis focuses on Japanese non-reciprocal conversations between senpai ‘senior’ and kōhai ‘junior’ interactants, where the kōhai are normatively expected to speak using the honorific desu/masu markers. The analysis demonstrates that in such conversations, the kōhai sometimes drop the honorific markers while repeating the senpai’s utterances, thereby momentarily transcending the vertical boundary separating them from the senpai. Two types of plain form repetition are presented: (1) the kōhai repeat the senpai’s funny and/or questionable comments to savor the expressions, and (2) the kōhai repeat the senpai’s ideas, wishes or assessments to synchronize with the senpai. The analysis explicates how cross-speaker repetition allows the kōhai to drop the honorific markers in a way that is acceptable to the senpai. This study underscores the significance of the cross-speaker repetition device for creating harmonious relationships in Japanese.

DOI： 10.1075/prag.21063.mac

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Language：English  

File： The fun of repeating 241-270 (Machi).pdf

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：John Benjamins Publishing Company  

Abstract

This study examines cross-speaker repetition in triadic conversations in the Japanese language.For the analysis, three sets of triadic conversations between close friends taken from a TV talk show areused. The results reveal that repetition in triadic conversations performs distinctive functions that are notobserved in dyadic conversations: repetition often takes place between only two participants of the triad andallows the two to team up and strengthen their bond exclusively (teaming repetition), or even playfully teasethe third participant (teasing repetition). Repetition is also shared between the three participants. In suchcases, it allows the participants to create an instant bond by joking or referring to shared circumstances(immediate threefold repetition), or to gradually establish rapport by connecting their utterances andco-constructing a story (repetition relay). All these types of repetition express the participants’ points ofview and contribute efficiently to their relationships that shift from moment to moment. The study furtherdemonstrates cases in which one participant makes good use of various repetition types in a short period oftime and efficiently allocates thoughts and feelings to the other two participants. The study concludes thatrepetition plays a significant role in Japanese conversation, helping speakers to converse smoothly and managethe dynamic relationships efficiently.

File： prag.17021.mac (offprint).pdf

DOI： 10.1075/prag.17021.mac

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Language：English   Publishing type：Doctoral thesis  

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