本論文は，日本におけるアフリカ言語学研究の最新の動向を提示することを目的とする。伝統的に個別言語の精緻な記述に強みを発揮してきた日本のアフリカ言語学研究は，その成果をふまえつつ言語横断的な一般化を目指す新たな段階に移行している。本稿では，1) アフリカ言語研究における方法論的刷新，2) バントゥ諸語を対象とした系統内類型論の新展開，さらに 3) サハラ以南アフリカにおける手話言語研究の最先端の動向の3点について，その概観を提示する。

抄録全体を表示

Although sign linguistics and pragmatics started almost at the same time in the early 1960's, few studies have been reported so far on pragmatics in sign languages. The present study aims at examining how politeness is realized in Japanese Sign Language (JSL). For this purpose, a videotaped discourse completion test (6 requests and 6 rejections) was conducted with the help of 8 native JSL signers. As a result, the JSL signers used a variety of politeness strategies, including both positive and negative ones, proposed by Brown & Levinson (1978/1987). It is particularly noteworthy that off-record strategies, i.e., indirect language uses with implicature, were observed in 12 cases among 90. In addition, a nonmanual marker (NMM) "polite grimace" was observed 19 times both in requests and in rejections. It co-occurred with /ask/, /reject/, /it's OK/, /sorry/ and /borrow/. Using this NMM, the signers seemingly showed their feelings such as "I really hate to tell you this, but", "against my will, I have to say", etc. Hoza (2007) reports that "polite grimace" is also observed in ASL. However, the NMM "polite grimace" in JSL is unique in that it is often combined with two-handed signs, which are derived from unmarked one-handed signs and show deference, and/or bowing, i.e., a traditional etiquette in Japan. Thus, the present study clarifies that the politeness theory is applicable to JSL too. From another viewpoint, it indicates the richness of JSL as a language.

抄録全体を表示

In Japan, there have been several linguistic studies focusing on the languages of Northeast Asia and North America since the 1990's. Many researchers conducted descriptive studies based on fieldwork in both Northeast Asia and North America and made significant discoveries regarding the languages of those regions. However, the likelihood of making new discoveries through fieldwork is diminishing every year because of the phenomena of aging, decreasing numbers of speakers, and rapid assimilation into a dominant language. Further, the budding researchers of a quarter century ago have now reached the age when it would be appropriate to summarize their studies and pass them down the generations. Therefore, the present paper summarizes the results of studies in Japan on the languages of Northeast Asia and North America during the past quarter century, using a questionnaire survey administered to linguistic researchers, and aims to identify possible directions for future studies.

抄録全体を表示