Pragmatic constraints on subject-oriented honorifics in Yaeyaman and Japanese

Abstract

This paper explores cross-linguistic differences in the pragmatic constraints governing the use of subject-oriented honorific verb forms in Japanese and in three varieties of Yaeyaman (Southern Ryukyuan). I show that plural subjects with mixed honorific status give rise to different felicity patterns in these language varieties, and argue that these differences arise from different rankings of competing pragmatic constraints.