On the subjectivity of the sentence-final particle tsε⁵⁵ (啫) in Cantonese

Abstract

Based on the notion of subjectivity, and with reference to the theory of three conceptual domains, this paper explores the semantic and functional characteristics of tsε55 ( ) , one of the commonly used sentence-final particles in Cantonese. Semantically, tsε55 can convey an objective meaning of delimitation as well as subjective senses such as contempt, explanation, refutation, etc. From the functional perspective, tsε55 reveals the speakers’ attitude and judgement towards the propositional contents, as well as their subjective treatment for meanings. It is concluded that the requests for this kind of expressions accounts for the subjectivity of tsε55 in Cantonese.