Genre-Based Variation in Paraphrastic Connective Expressions

A Frequency-Based Analysis Using BCCWJ, CSJ, and CEJC

Abstract

This study examines four paraphrastic connective expressions in Japanese: sunawachi, tsumari, yosuruni, and yō wa, through a quantitative and qualitative investigation of their frequencies across three distinct genres: books, lectures, and casual conversations. The analysis reveals statistically significant differences among the genres, showing that sunawachi is predominantly used in books, tsumari appears frequently in both books and lectures, yosuruni is common in lectures and casual conversations, and yō wa is especially prominent in casual conversations. A subsequent qualitative examination indicates that a simple binary classification of written versus spoken language, defined solely by textual or auditory media, is inadequate to explain these variations. Instead, this paper adopts Chafe’s concepts of Detachment and Involvement to elucidate how these paraphrastic connectives are employed, suggesting that multiple, interrelated factors shape their use in both written and spoken contexts.