Dit is mijn scriptie, hè? / * toch? / * zeker? Characterizing the differences between three Dutch confirmationals

Abstract

In this thesis I report of an explorative study in which I investigated the usage and the restrictions on the usage of three Dutch confirmationals (hè, toch, and zeker). In order to do so, I made use of a relatively new theory that is proposed by Wiltschko (to appear), which combines both insights from generative linguistics as well as functional linguistics to approach language in interaction. In light of this theory, I have characterized the difference between the three confirmationals by using a three-fold method. In order to combine methodologies from both generative linguistics as well as functional linguistics, this method consisted of a corpus-analysis, the elicitation of native speaker judgements and a second corpus analysis. Based on the results of both the corpus analyses as well as the native speaker judgements elicitation, I have found that the difference between the three confirmationals depends on whether the confirmational encodes the proposition upon which it follows as part of the Ground of the speaker, the addressee or both. That is, hè can be used to encode the proposition as part of the Ground of both the speaker and the addressee, toch can only be used to encode the proposition as part of the Ground of the speaker, and zeker can only be used to encode the proposition as part of the Ground of the addressee.