On the Use of Result Expressions in Spoken Language: How Does the Perception of Process Affect the Choice of Expression?

Abstract

This paper examines the conditions under which the shite-iru, sarete-iru (passive construction), and shite-aru constructions are used to describe the result of human actions. Most of the research on these expressions has been conducted using written sources, and the conditions under which they are used have not yet been clearly described. In this study, we conducted a video speech experiment based on the assumption that whether or not the “process” leading to the state is perceived influences the choice of expression of the result state, and verified this assumption by analyzing the data collected. The results revealed the following: 1) Native Japanese speakers use the sarete-iru, intransitive shite-iru and shite-aru constructions in spoken language when they perceive the state in front of them as a result; 2) When describing a result state, the means of expression changes depending on the awareness of the process of change. When speakers perceive a process of change, they use the shite-aru construction, while when a process of change is not considered, speakers use either the sarete-iru or the intransitive site-iru construction.