현대 일본어의 이중부정의문문에 관한 고찰 - 「~なくない？」의 의미와 기능을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This dissertation tries to figure out meaning, usage and characteristic of “nakunai” form focused on double negative interrogative sentence of modern Japanese. In preceding researches, “nakunai” have been considered as that used in limited word class and by contemporary young-aged people. As a result of research, however, “nakunai” is used in various word classes like adjective, noun or verb, and also this form became to spread out to broader age group through the fact that this form is used in television commercials. The contents of the dissertation can be listed in three points. First, characteristics and usage of “～nakunai” as double negative interrogative form are observed. When negative interrogative form, “～nai” contains the meaning of “～yone,” double negative interrogative form, “～nakunai” includes “～yone” and “～naiyone” forms. Based on this observation, the researcher sought logical validity for dualistic understanding of “～nakunai” which is considered as the point of dispute. Second, the role of infinitive “nai” and its scale of usage that makes “nakunai” has dualistic function are observed. Some double negative interrogative forms such as “tumaranakunai” or “abunakunai” which connote negative meaning in its adjective but do not denote negative meaning, are able to be understood in positive meaning by being connected with “nai.” Third, through substantial consideration of function and usage of “~nakunai,” the researcher observed this following fact: double negative interrogative form is ambiguous expression that allows people dualistic understanding, positive and negative, and also means care for others or asking agreement, rather simply asking new information or one’s opinion.