Abstract
Projection refers to the feature of human conduct that prefigures possible trajectories of how an action (or a sequence of actions) might develop in the next moment. This feature allows interactants to negotiate and accomplish coordinated action in the subsequent course of interaction. This study explores the mechanism of projection with a focus on the relationship between projection and grammar. To that end, it examines a particular turn-constructional practice involving the 'action-projecting' use of the distal demonstrative pronoun are in Japanese. The point of departure for this study is the observation made by previous research that, due to some typological features of Japanese grammar, the projection of unfolding turn-shape and action-type is achieved relatively late in the course of a turn in Japanese. Through a detailed examination of relevant data from naturally-occurring Japanese talk-in-interaction, this study shows that Japanese speakers can nonetheless achieve early projection of forthcoming action through the use of the turn-constructional practice involving 'action-projecting' are and thereby compensate for delayed projectability.
