The functions of “yo” and “ne” in interpersonal communication

Abstract

This study examines the functions of the sentence final particles and interjections“yo”and“ne”within interpersonal communication. The following hypotheses are proposed. First, “yo”and “ne”function in providing information about the speakerʼs attitudes which facilitates the interpretation of their message within interpersonal communication,similar to non-verbal communication represented by paralanguage. Secondly, “yo”marks attitudes that relate to utterances within the speakerʼs cognitive framework,such as the speakerʼs experience,recognitions,judgments,estimations, and wishes. In contrast, “ne”signifies utterances that relate to the listenerʼs cognitive framework, such as confirming meanings,connecting to matters under consideration,and deciding to consent. Thirdly,“yone”is regarded as being a combination of “yo”and “ne”. In order to investigate these hypotheses, this study attempts to apply interpretations based on these hypotheses to utterances within conversational and counseling data. The results support the hypotheses and suggest that “yo”and “ne”function to facilitate the communication of information and to adjust interpersonal relations.