@article{ART003275594},
author={양승규},
title={Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory},
journal={The Japanese Language Association of Korea},
issn={1229-7275},
year={2025},
number={86},
pages={43-70}
TY - JOUR
AU - 양승규
TI - Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory
JO - The Japanese Language Association of Korea
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 86
PB - The Japanese Language Association Of Korea
SP - 43
EP - 70
SN - 1229-7275
AB - This study explores the interactional functions of apology expressions that are used at the beginnings of question turns in Japanese conversations. While previous research has typically characterized apologies as expressions of politeness or ritual acts, this study focuses on the sequential environment in which these apologies occur and their position in the conversational sequence. By analyzing apology expressions as turn-initial elements the findings demonstrate how they operate as a resource for organizing interaction. The research identifies two main ways in which apology expressions enhance questioning actions. First, when speakers acknowledge their lack of knowledge or memory, these apology expressions allow them to take epistemic responsibility and legitimize their questions, making it easier for the recipient to respond. Second, apology expressions help manage shifts in the interactional trajectory by enabling speakers to temporarily interrupt the ongoing course of action and transition smoothly to a new topic or course of action. In both instances, apology expressions exhibit a dual orientation: they show consideration for the previous activity while also indicating what will come next. Through these functions, apology expressions play a vital role in maintaining the flow of interaction and introducing new actions. This study thus reconceptualizes apology expressions as more than just acts of apologizing; they are essential interactional resources that help organize the structure of conversation.
KW - apology expressions;question actions;turn-beginnings;epistemic responsibility;interactional trajectory
DO -
UR -
ER -
양승규. (2025). Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory. The Japanese Language Association of Korea, 86, 43-70.
양승규. 2025, "Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory", The Japanese Language Association of Korea, no.86, pp.43-70.
양승규 "Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory" The Japanese Language Association of Korea 86 pp.43-70 (2025) : 43.
양승규. Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory. 2025; 86 : 43-70.
양승규. "Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory" The Japanese Language Association of Korea no.86(2025) : 43-70.
양승규. Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory. The Japanese Language Association of Korea, 86, 43-70.
양승규. Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory. The Japanese Language Association of Korea. 2025; 86 43-70.
양승규. Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory. 2025; 86 : 43-70.
양승규. "Interactional Functions of Apology Expressions in the Beginnings of Question Actions: Epistemic Responsibility and Shifts in Interactional Trajectory" The Japanese Language Association of Korea no.86(2025) : 43-70.
