Co-occurrence Restrictions Between Wh-words and the Sentence-final Use of Two Conditional Forms in a Variety of Okayama Japanese

Abstract

This study examines the co-occurrence restrictions between Wh-words and the sentence-final use of nara and rja: ~ ja: in the Tamano variety of Okayama Japanese. Mushiaki (1958) first observed that these conditional forms appear sentence-finally only with a Wh-word. While previous research suggested that Wh-words require these forms, this study argues that the dependency is reversed: the sentence-final conditional forms necessitate a Wh-word. This paper argues that sentence-final nara derives from the realis nar-e-ba, retaining its copular function with an explanatory tone, similar to noda in Standard Japanese. Its nuance of criticism explains its preference among male speakers. In contrast, rja: ~ ja: likely originates from jara (ni ja ara mu), a conjectural copula, not a true conditional. Unlike nara, rja: behaves as a verbal inflection akin to the Standard Japanese volitional form (j)ooka, expressing a suggestion or proposal. This study provides new insights into the syntax and history of sentence-final particles. Although Miyake (2014) does not analyze this structure as kakari musubi, his analysis overlooks the direction of dependency that is crucial for its understanding.