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In:Semantic-Pragmatic Change from Intersubjective to Textual Meanings
Edited by Giulio Scivoletto and Ryo Takamura
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 353] 2025
► pp. 40–75

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Chapter 2
Pretend and actual speech events

Two manifestations of (inter)subjectivity in formulaic adverbials with speech event lexemes

Published online: 27 June 2025
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https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.353.02izu
Abstract
This study explores two different manifestations of speech event conception (actual and pretend (inter)subjectivity), which brings some implications for studies of semantic change in the development of adverbials with speech event lexemes (SELs). Based on the previous literature and some examples from Ainu, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, it first demonstrates that there are different dimensions of (inter)subjectivity. It further employs the re(de)fined notions of (inter)subjectivity and presents a more in-depth analysis of the meaning and function of some Japanese and Ainu adverbials with SELs. It finally shows that purported counterexamples to a “unidirectionality” hypothesis of semantic change do not necessarily challenge the hypothesis.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Dimensions of subjectivity and intersubjectivity
    • 2.1Basic characterizations
    • 2.2Direct, indirect, and no mention of speaker and addressee
    • 2.3Speech event pretend, actual, and less so
    • 2.4Addressee speaking in SELAs
  • 3.From an eclectic view to an integrating perspective
    • 3.1Varying degrees of (inter)subjectivity
    • 3.2Actual and pretend (inter)subjectivity
  • 4.Development of SELAs
    • 4.1Change from actual to pretend intersubjectivity
    • 4.2Quotative marker for intersubjective and subjective anaphora
    • 4.3SELAs with a formal noun for voice
  • 5.(Inter)subjectification of SELAs
    • 5.1Robust tendency of increased subjectivity
    • 5.2Apparent counterexamples to unidirectionality hypothesis
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
  • Dictionaries and corpus
References (48)
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