Properties of particle “omission” revisited

This study examines the so-called particle omission (or ellipsis) in Japanese and critically evaluates the previously suggested view that the zero marking represents the mere omission of certain overt particles. By examining speakers’ use of the zero form in Japanese conversation, rather than its acceptability in constructed examples, I point out an underlying discourse property of the zero form--defocusing of referents in subsequent discourse--and suggest that the observed discourse property is ascribed to absolute specification of referents--the inherent grammatical property associated with the zero marking. Furthermore, I claim that the high frequency of the zero form observed in conversations is due to the general function denoted by the form, which unspecifies a contrastive relationship. Overall, given its unique roles, the zero form is best considered as a zero particle--a separate and important paradigmatic choice in post-nominal marking