Resolving the paradox of Singapore English hor
Chonghyuck Kim | National University of Singapore
In this paper, we present paradoxical properties of the discourse particle hor in Singapore English and attempt to resolve them. Hor has been described as an attenuator of illocutionary force, which is used to convert statements and commands into questions and requests. We provide a new observation that it can also be used as a booster of illocutionary force to make strong statements and demands. We claim that these paradoxical properties are consequences of hor’s nature to mark a nonstandard discourse context in which there is an asymmetry in epistemic or deontic authority between speaker and hearer vis-à-vis a proposition. In a context where epistemic / deontic authority for a proposition lies with the speaker, hor serves as a booster of illocutionary force. In a context where such authority rests with the hearer, hor serves as an attenuator.
Keywords: Singapore English, illocutionary force, discourse particles, command, statement/assertion, discourse context, epistemic/deontic authority
Published online: 25 September 2009
https://doi.org/10.1075/eww.30.3.01kim
https://doi.org/10.1075/eww.30.3.01kim
Cited by
Cited by 2 other publications
WEE, LIONEL
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 09 april 2022. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.