江戶語에 있어서의 가능동사에 관한 고찰- 江戶噺本・江戶歌舞伎·黃表紙를 대상으로 -

Abstract

This research examines the expressions of possibility, especially, modal verbs denoting possibility with attention to 30 kinds of authentic materials of Edo language(Edohanashibon․Edokabuki․Kibyoshi) in the late modern times of Anei ~ Bunka (1772 ~ 1817) in comparison to Edosharebon. Analyzing modal verbs shown in Edohanashibon․Edokabuki․Kibyoshi, this study investigates the general characteristics and cause of the linguistic changes, focusing on the difference in slowness and quickness. As a result, several characteristics can be summarized as follows: (1) There exist the difference in slowness and quickness of change even within the materials of Edohanashibon․Edokabuki․Kibyoshi. They can be arranged in the folloing sequence: Edosharebon > Edohanashibon > Kibyoshi > Edokabuki. (2) Colloqual sentences are likely to change more quickly than literary ones from a viewpoint of stylistics. (3) The sequence of verbal conjugation types is as follows: Mizemkei > Renyōkei > Shuōshi․Rentaikei > Izenkei. (4) Considering the number of syllables, monosyllabic or disyllabic verbs change earlier than multisyllabic verbs do. (5) Simple verbs change earlier than compound verbs do. (6) Negative expressions change earlier than affirmative ones do. This study reveals that modal verbs of possibility experienced the linguistic changes of quickness and slowness in stylistics, verbal conjugations, the number of syllables, simple verbs and compound verbs, affirmative and negative expressions, etc. shown in the data of Edo language, such as Edohanashibon․ Edokabuki․Kibyoshi. Additionally, the above-mentioned (2),(4), (5), and (6) coincide in Edosharebon, while (1) and (3) differ from Edosharebon.