This thesis attempts to explain the functions of the preposing of the direct object in
Japanese. Japanese is generally a verb-final language and the basic word order is Subject (S) ->
Object (O) -> Verb (V). However, it also has relatively free word order, and a direct object can be
preposed to the sentence-initial position forming OSV word order. Although clauses expressed in
SOV and OSV word orders are semantically identical, OSV is used much less frequently in
comparison to SOV. This thesis examines the motivations behind the preposing of direct objects.
As a first step toward understanding the possible functions of OSV word order, this thesis
analyzes characteristics of preposed direct objects in its data collected from written materials. The
results show that both structural characteristics and the information status of direct objects play
roles in preposing. Structural characteristics found in preposed direct objects are that they tend to
be lengthy, tend to contain demonstratives, or tend not be a direct object component of idiomatic
expressions formed with a direct object and a verb. Preposed direct objects tend to convey
information that is either linked to the preceding discourse, is linked to the hearer's knowledge, or
is emphasized.
The findings also show that the preposing of direct objects is motivated by various reasons
depending on what is required to enhance communication in the context. Direct objects that have
structurally different characteristics, namely those that contain demonstratives or long direct object
phrases, are preposed for easier sentence processing or reference. In order to avoid ambiguity,
preposing does not occur when the process would split an idiomatic expression comprised of a
direct object and a verb. Preposing of direct objects conveying information linked to either the
preceding discourse or the hearer's knowledge creates relevance between the preceding discourse
and the present proposition. Preposing direct objects structurally indicates what information is
emphasized. In other words, the preposing of direct objects facilitates effective communication.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/10979 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Suzuki, Michiko |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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