Publications
Publication details [#8886]
Simonsen, Hanne G. and Kirsti Koch Christensen. 1980. Nar man byner a ga sann litt pa skolen a sann. En fremarings bruk av 'sann'. In Hovdhaugen, Even, ed. The nordic languages and modern linguistics. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference of Nordic and General Linguistics in Oslo 1980. Universitetsforlaget. pp. 334–344.
Publication type
Article in book
Publication language
Norwegian
Keywords
Language as a subject
Annotation
The authors demonstrate the main functions of 'sann' (lit.= 'such', 'like that') in spoken Norwegian. Whether used as a pro-form or purely pragmatically it seems to mark reservation, hesitation, or giving up as to the apt wording, combined with a trust that the partner will grasp the proper meaning nevertheless. While in children's language a 'sann' is chiefly motivated by narrow vocabulary, the adult will often make unprecise utterings on purpose.