Asano, Yuko (2008). Semantic analysis of tag questions in Japanese: Deshoo and janai ka. In Timothy Jowan Curnow (Ed.), Selected papers from the 2007 Conference of the Australian Linguistic Society. http://www.als.asn.au. PDF (open access)
This paper presents a semantic analysis of two Japanese expressions used when the speaker requires confirmation: deshoo and janai ka. These words are often used in similar situations and interpreted as tag questions in English of the type don’t you think? or right? Although deshoo and janai ka are semantically closely related, they are not always interchangeable. The subtle differences between them are difficult to capture, especially for language learners. Numerous studies have been undertaken to clarify the meanings of deshoo and janai ka. However, many of these studies have attempted to define their meanings through the use of explanatory terms. But these same terms may also apply to different expressions and thus this approach fails to identify the unique meaning of each marker.
This study is the first explication of the meanings of deshoo and janai ka using the framework of the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) theory. Importantly, it proposes new explications in terms of semantic primitives. The proposed semantic formulas clarify the differences between the expressions, and serve as practical tools indicating criteria that can assist in choosing an appropriate word for a given situation.
Research carried out by one or more experienced NSM practitioners
