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Article published In: (Inter)subjectivity across registers of Estonian: Special issue of the Journal of Uralic Linguistics 3:2 (2024)
Edited by Helle Metslang, Tiit Hennoste and Külli Habicht
[Journal of Uralic Linguistics 3:2] 2024
► pp. 209–231

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Functions of the particle üldse ‘at all’ in questions in Estonian everyday conversations

 | University of Tartu, Estonia
Published online: 8 November 2024
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https://doi.org/10.1075/jul.00031.raa
Abstract
The goal of the paper is to examine the use of the particle üldse ‘at all; ever; generally; absolutely (not)’ in questions in Estonian everyday face-to-face and telephone conversations. The analysis is based on the methodological framework of interactional linguistics.
The particle üldse is found to serve three central functions in questions: (a) marking topic shifts and topic changes, (b) intensifying doubt or challenges, (c) emphasizing someone’s norm-violating behavior. Questions containing the particle üldse can be divided into two groups: neutral information-seeking questions and multifunctional questions that perform several social actions simultaneously. The particle üldse is commonly backward looking and serves both interpersonal and textual functions. Its use is often associated with non-preference, disagreement, or contradiction.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Data and method
  • 3.The functions of the particle üldse
    • 3.1Marking topic shifts and topic changes
    • 3.2Intensifying doubt or challenge
    • 3.3Highlighting the violation of norms or expectations
  • 4.Concluding discussion
  • Notes
  • References
References (62)
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