What is Shown by “Kare wa waratte miseta”?

-A Study of the Semantic Function of “-te miseta” in Written Language-

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the semantic function of “-te miseta” that appears at the end of sentences in Japanese written language, as well its mechanisms for expressing a variety of meanings. First, with respect to the question of “What is shown?” in “-te miseta,” we focus on types of “-te miseta”enclitic verbs, introducing five categories: “thing,” “practical skills,” “gesture and attitude,” “artificial appearance,” and “result.”

Further, this paper illustrates the “recipient usage” of “-te miseta,” which is stated from the viewpoint of the observer. For this interpretation it is necessary to distinguish separate first and third person views. The third person subject sentence is stated by the observer in accordance with the perceived attitude of the subject or result of an event or situation, and includes the evaluation of the observer.

In addition, using the five“-te miseta,”categories along with abstraction of the content presented, the term “bleaching” is introduced to discuss the phenomenon of gradual weakening in meaning of the main verb “miseru.”