The Hidden History in the distinction between synonymous Japanese function words: A Comparison of shika, dake, and naradewa

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現代日本語の機能語の使い分けに潜む歴史性：シカとダケ、ナラデハの比較から

The Hidden History in the distinction between synonymous Japanese function words: A Comparison of shika, dake, and naradewa

There are subtle differences in the meanings and usage of synonyms in language. For example, similar wordslike "宿" (inn), "旅館" (Japanese-style inn), and "ホテル" (hotel) are often explained in relation to differences in style and situational usage. These distinctions can almost always be explained by historical developments.

This applies not only to content words but also to function words. For instance, in modern Japanese, the particles "シカ" (shika) and "ダケ" (dake) have similar limiting usages, as seen in "太郎だけ来た" (Only Taro came.) and "太郎しか来なかった" (Only Taro came. (Others didn't come). However, "シカ" has a negative polarity in the predicate (it requires the presence of a negation, forming the structure "～しか…ない"), while "ダケ" does not indicate negative polarity. Why is this the case?

In relation to this, I would like to address the function word "ナラデハ" (naradewa). In modern Japanese, "ナラデハ" appears in usages such as "日本ならではの食文化" (a food culture unique to Japan) and "この食文化は日本ならではだ" (this food culture is unique to Japan). This term has examples dating back to the Heian period and had a similar limiting usage with negative polarity during the medieval to modern periods (e.g., "敵は2人ならではなく候" (There are only two enemies)). However, unlike "シカ," "ナラデハ" lost its binding relationship with negation in the modern period and transformed into a suffix. It originates from classical Japanese but has survived as a frequently used function word in information programs and magazine articles, introducing some new products, gourmet food and specialties in tourist areas. Why did "シカ" maintain its binding relationship with negation in modern language, when "ナラデハ" lost it? Historical context can provide an explanation for these questions. This seminar will trace the historical usage of "ダケ" and "シカ," as well as "シカ" and "ナラデハ," in order to reflect on the differences and distinctions in the meaning and usage of function words, as well as their change and stability. In so doing, it will be argued that the different contexts in which these words are used are closely related to their historical development.