Dong-Ho Pak

10.18399/acta.2013.16.1.001

Connective Endings Temporal Sequence -ŏsŏ’ and ‘-ko ’ Result of Action Pragmatic Relevance

The object of this study is to analyze the differences in the uses of ‘-ŏsŏ’ and ‘-ko’ connective endings in the Korean language which express the temporal sequence of action between two clauses. Previous studies have indicated that the clausal connective ‘-ko’ is used after a transitive verb taking an object while ‘-ŏsŏ’ is used after an intransitive verb as well as in cases where the predicates in the two clauses of a sentence repeat the same speech elements, including the object. Studies have also explained that ‘-ko’ is used when the action in the preceding clause is completed before the following action takes place while ‘-ŏsŏ’ is used when the action in the preceding clause continues to have effect on the action in the following clause. These suggestions, however, come with many exceptions. This study aims to analyze, modify, and support previous research on these connectives. It argues that ‘-ŏsŏ’ is used when the result of the action in the first clause continues into the action in the following clause and when pragmatic relevance is established. It also maintains that the connective ending ‘-ko’ is used without regard to pragmatic relevance or whether the action in the first clause affects the action in the second, following clause. The result of the study is a clear, effective explanation of the differences in the uses of the connective endings ‘-ŏsŏ’ and ‘-ko.’