고려대학교

초록/요약

This study explores the characteristics of rhetorical questions in Korean and Spanish within semi-natural dialogue, such as in TV dramas. Rhetorical questions are often assumed not to seek genuine information but to convey statements or commands, as both speakers and listeners understand the context well enough to deduce the answer without explicit communication. We compare how rhetorical questions function in both languages with regard to speech acts and communication styles, considering factors such as speaker intent, the relationship between interlocutors, and the context of the dialogue. Our main findings are as follows: regarding speech act types, assertive acts are relatively more prevalent in Korean rhetorical questions than in Spanish ones, while expressive speech acts are commonly implied in both Korean and Spanish. Regarding the communication styles, Korean frequently uses aggressive rhetorical questions due to status differences and conflict situations, while Spanish more often uses sarcastic rhetorical questions to create humor in various relationships. By examining the form, content, and context of rhetorical questions in both languages, the current study has sought to provide valuable perspectives on the given topic.