earticle

영어

The present paper deals with the linguistic repetition and focus phenomenon in the Japanese conditional expressions such as to, ba, tara and nara. It is suggested that linguistic repetition plays an important role in everyday conversation and has an important discourse function. Its main role is not just a lengthy stretch of discourse but a contribution of smooth flow of discourse. In addition, repetition is known as a focus device to connect old information to new information. This is because repetition has something to do with the participants' roles in choosing the given information over new information or vice versa in the smooth flow of discourse.