断り場面における言いさし表現に関する考察‒言い切り表現との比較を通して‒

Abstract

In this study, using Japanese drama as data, the patterns of use in interrupted speech happening in refusal scenes were considered as the target in terms of speech level. This research investigated 1) interrupted speech and iikiri expressions’ patterns of use when used in refusal scenes, 2) as well as classified each observed expressions as “polite” or “normal” form to analyze which relationship each exhibited in interrupted speech. In order to observe the pattern of use of interrupted speech in refusal scenes, interrupted speech and iikiri expressions were collected and analyzed first. As a result, a total of 330 refusals were made, of which 156 (47.3%) were interrupted speech and 174 (52.7%) iikiri expressions indicating that iikiri expressions were used more often than interrupted speech in the refusal scenes. Furthermore, the results of analyzing the observed refusal scenes in terms of speech level of “polite” and “normal” form have shown that interrupted speech was more frequently used in relationships with “polite” form than iikiri expressions with “normal” form. Through these findings, the researcher deduced that interrupted speech has a function of showing consideration to the interlocutor whereas iikiri expressions have a low level of consideration and clearly show their intentions to the other party. In this study, the patterns of use were considered from the perspective of speech level for interrupted speech in refusal scenes, however, the analysis of ellipsis at the end of an utterance in interrupted speech could not be reached. Based on these results, further studies should investigate whether “request scenes” and “suggestion scenes” present the same tendencies.