In modern Japanese, existential verbs are typically split by animacy: iru for humans and aru for inanimate objects. However, native usage allows exceptions where aru occurs with human subjects (hito ga aru). This paper shows that all such cases can be unified by temporal localization (time limitation): iru is required when presence is bound to a specific time frame, whereas aru becomes acceptable when temporal limits are abstracted. This hypothesis is verified across three structures: Limited Existential Sentences: When locations express abstract domains (e.g., society or the world), temporal constraints are abstracted, permitting aru. Ownership Sentences: Interpersonal relationships show a gradient based on durability. Temporary connections (e.g., friends) retain time limits and resist aru, while permanent bonds (e.g., blood relations) transcend time limits, increasing aru’s acceptability. List Existential Sentences: Enumerating organizational members retains a relative temporal frame, so aru remains restricted. In conclusion, the acceptability of hito ga aru is directly governed by the degree to which temporal limitations are abstracted.
한국일본언어문화학회 [Japanese Language & Culture Association of Korea]
설립연도
2001
분야
인문학>일본어와문학
소개
본 학회는 일본어학 및 일본문학은 물론, 일본의 정치, 경제, 문화, 사회 등의 일본학 전반에 걸친 연구 및 일본의 언어, 문화를 매체로 한 한국과의 비교 연구를 대상으로 하고 있다. 본 학회는 회원들에게 연구 발표 및 정보 교환의 기회를 부여하고 나아가 한국에서의 바람직한 일본 연구 자세를 확립하는 것을 주된 목표로 하고 있다.