Factors of meaning. Verbs and clitic particles in modern Finnish imperative constructions
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Linnanmaa, L2
Topic of the dissertation
Factors of meaning. Verbs and clitic particles in modern Finnish imperative constructions
Doctoral candidate
Master of Arts Eveliina Mäntylä
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Humanities, The Research Unit for Languages and Literature
Subject of study
Finnish language
Opponent
Professor Tuomas Huumo, University of Turku
Custos
Professor Jari Sivonen, University of Oulu
The forms and meanings of Finnish imperative-form verbs with clitic particles in the Suomi24 corpus data
The study examines combinations of a positive imperative form of the verb and the clitic particles -kin, -pA, -pAs, -s, or -hAn, such as “uskallakin” ‘don’t you dare’ and “muistapa” ‘remember’. The study describes the typical form and meaning of these combinations, as well as the conventionality and predictability of the form-meaning relationship. Using written language data collected from the Suomi24 corpus and concepts of cognitive semantics, the study complements previous descriptions of the meanings of the imperative and clitic particles.
The study examines imperative forms with clitic particles as “constructions” that are established combinations of form and meaning, in which some aspect of the meaning is unpredictable. In the study, imperative clauses with clitic particles are divided into clauses that describe desired action (“Muistakin se” 'Remember it') and clauses that describe undesired action (“Uskallakin kommentoida” 'Don't you dare comment'). These clauses share a feature implying a threat, but they differ in how predictable the relationship between the positive imperative verb form and the whole meaning of the clause is.
The unpredictability of the form-meaning relationship can also be seen in the fact that the form unexpectedly often occurs in certain types of clauses or conversational contexts. Examining these contexts reveals differences in meaning between the clitic particles. For example, in the data of “katsoa” verb, -kin typically occurs in clauses that describe a causal relationship between two situations (“Katsokin, ettet myöhästy” ‘Make sure you won’t be late’), whilst tone particles typically occur in clauses that describe a perception (“Katsopa kuvaa” ‘Watch the picture’). In the study, the common feature of imperative clauses with -kin is perceived as the specification of the equal strength of two opposing forces. In contrast, imperative clauses with tone particles usually describe relations in which one force dominates the other.
The ability to express commands and requests is part of functional language proficiency, and these types of expressions are often formed using the imperative form of the verb. Since some aspects of the meanings of imperative forms with clitic particles or the differences in the tendencies of different clitic particles are unpredictable, knowing the structures and their tendencies revealed in my research is useful, for example, in planning the teaching of a second language or online communication.
The study examines imperative forms with clitic particles as “constructions” that are established combinations of form and meaning, in which some aspect of the meaning is unpredictable. In the study, imperative clauses with clitic particles are divided into clauses that describe desired action (“Muistakin se” 'Remember it') and clauses that describe undesired action (“Uskallakin kommentoida” 'Don't you dare comment'). These clauses share a feature implying a threat, but they differ in how predictable the relationship between the positive imperative verb form and the whole meaning of the clause is.
The unpredictability of the form-meaning relationship can also be seen in the fact that the form unexpectedly often occurs in certain types of clauses or conversational contexts. Examining these contexts reveals differences in meaning between the clitic particles. For example, in the data of “katsoa” verb, -kin typically occurs in clauses that describe a causal relationship between two situations (“Katsokin, ettet myöhästy” ‘Make sure you won’t be late’), whilst tone particles typically occur in clauses that describe a perception (“Katsopa kuvaa” ‘Watch the picture’). In the study, the common feature of imperative clauses with -kin is perceived as the specification of the equal strength of two opposing forces. In contrast, imperative clauses with tone particles usually describe relations in which one force dominates the other.
The ability to express commands and requests is part of functional language proficiency, and these types of expressions are often formed using the imperative form of the verb. Since some aspects of the meanings of imperative forms with clitic particles or the differences in the tendencies of different clitic particles are unpredictable, knowing the structures and their tendencies revealed in my research is useful, for example, in planning the teaching of a second language or online communication.
Created 5.11.2025 | Updated 7.11.2025