비표준 종결어미 ‘-을까요?’와 ‘-실게요’ 분석

Abstract

Examining two non-standard sentence endings in Korean, we make an observation about the ulkkayo? form and make a case for a grammaticalization process for the silkeyyo form that provides a more intuitive explanation than in previous studies. An emerging non-standard use of the ulkkayo? form involves questions about something the listener must have direct access to, such as his or her own current state of mind or the number of his or her children, whereas the modality of the ulkkayo? form only describes a conjecture or surmise. It is illustrated that its anomaly derives from an incompatibility between questioned topics and the weak modal force of the form. The other non-standard sentence ending, the silkeyyo form, is an odd combination of the honorific marker si and ulkeyyo, the first person sentence ending, because rules prohibit self-honorification. It is hypothesized that this is the result of a grammaticalization process where a speaker utters the listener's expected answer, thereby shortening a conversational exchange in a hectic customer-service interaction. It is observed that the emergence of these non-standard forms reflects a society where politeness in the public sphere remains a high priority. Even when time efficiency forces a grammaticalization, it appears that a considerable effort is exerted to preserve a high level of politeness.