A Study on English Equivalents of Cantonese Sentence-Final Particles: Zaa3 and Ze1 as an Example

Abstract

This study explores English equivalents of the Cantonese sentence-final particles (SFPs) zaa3 and ze1 by utilizing Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) explications to analyze their semantic components and roles and conducting a phonetic experiment to find the English intonational equivalents. While zaa3 and ze1 both convey the meaning of “only” or “just” in Cantonese, this research reveals that they differ in connotations, are contextually specific, and their implied meanings cannot be adequately captured through direct translation into English. To address this, the study employs NSM explications as the analytical framework and a phonetic experiment involving research participants of two Cantonese native speakers and one English native speaker is conducted to identify the English intonational equivalents of these Cantonese SFPs. The study aims to answer two research questions: (i) What are the NSM explications of the Cantonese sentence-final particles zaa3 and ze1? (ii) Do either of the two Cantonese SFPs possess English intonational equivalents, and if so, what are they? Zaa3 often conveys a sense of complaint or dissatisfaction, suggesting insufficient quantity, while ze1 typically conveys modesty or humility, implying an unremarkable or ordinary quantity. An NSM explication for zaa3 involves the Cantonese semantic primes M4 DO1, SEONG2 DO1 DI1, which translate to “NOT MORE, WANT MORE” in English equivalents. On the other hand, an NSM explication for ze1 comprises M4 DO1, M4 SEONG2 JAN4 GOK3 DAK1 DO1 in Cantonese semantic primes, corresponding to “NOT MORE, DON’T WANT SOMEONE FEEL MUCH~MANY” in English equivalents. These nuanced implied meanings cannot be effectively conveyed through direct translation alone, requiring consideration of intonation patterns in English. The phonetic experiment conducted using Praat software clearly demonstrates distinct pitch contours when participants read English sentences translated from Cantonese sentences containing zaa3 and ze1, respectively. The findings indicate that the English equivalents of the Cantonese SFP zaa3 encompass the meanings of “only” or “just”, accompanied by a falling pitch contour when speakers read the corresponding English translation. Conversely, the English equivalents of the Cantonese SFP ze1 entail the meanings of “only” or “just”, along with the highest pitch point occurring at the end of the sentence in the English translation. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the English equivalents of the Cantonese SFPs zaa3 and ze1, highlighting their divergent connotations and nuanced implied meanings. The study emphasizes the importance of considering intonation patterns to accurately convey these nuances in English translations.