Semantics of Japanese Benefactive Constructions: A Corpus-based Research

As benefactives in other languages of the world, Japanese benefactive constructions can be used various meanings apart from core meaning. In previous research their semantics is normally described separately for each auxiliary verbs, and itself based either on introspection or working with sporadic texts native-speakers. this article we present a qualitative quantitative analysis corpora dataset three groups auxiliaries: yaru ageru , kureru kudasaru morau itadaku . For purpose propose set semantic features: speaker’s attitude, volitivity logical subgect presence sentient beneficiary. Combinations these features underlie definitions six main mark out: benefactive, etiquettical, positive emotivity, monstrative, intensification malefactive. all above mentioned are possible except emotivity. With encounter monstrative meanings. malefactive emotivity turn out to possible. only usage. auxiliaries register etiquettical Proposed features, analysed data applicable comparative studies as well further development description benefactives.