Abstract EN:

The goal of this study is to explore the different aspects of the relation of simultaneity in Japanese through the observation of the relative temporal markers toki (moment), aida (interval) and uchi (interior). This study will begin by undertaking the task of determining the usage of these markers in the simple sentence "NP toki/aida/uchi S". The mode of the temporal construction of each relative temporal marker can be explained by analysing the semantic constraints on the NP. A second section examines their functions in the complex sentence "S1 toki/aida/uchi S2". This section denotes as well the semantic and aspect-tense constraints of S1, in indicating the specific lexical traits of this sentence (whether it is a verbal predicate or an adjectival predicate). At which point, two types of simultaneity become apparent: one contingent on, and the other corresponding to a logical succession. The analysis of the functions of the relative temporal markers is carried out in relation to the co-text from which result these different aspects of simultaneity. These are considered notably in correlation to the degree of inter-propositional connection, on both the syntactic and the semantic levels. The final stage of analysis focuses on a third parameter, the combination of one of the temporal markers with one of the particles wa, 11Î or nÎ wa. The modal sense of simultaneity is modulated between two processes according to this third parameter. The study of the interaction between relative temporal markers and particles explains the process which results in a sense of simultaneity, as much as its relation to the modality expressed by 82. It is thus possible ta establish a micro-paradigm of simultaneity, formed by the three relative temporal markers, through the interaction of different linguistic parameters.