Directindirect speech reporting. Quote markers

7.2 Reported speech conventions followed in this text

This text provides a good example of typical Fuliiru speech patterns.

7.2.1 Directindirect speech reporting.

In general, indirect speech tends to be used for backgrounded material, which functions to set up the story and which is given less prominence. Direct speech tends to occur in non-background material. In the introductory background to the story, indirect speech is used. Later in the event line, direct speech is used.

7.2.2 Quote markers

In Table 19 we find the quote markers kwo, ti, and kwokwo. • The quote marker kwo ‘that’ is used to introduce indirect speech in items a and b. • The marker kwokwo or kwokuno ‘like this’ is used emphatically for direct speech in u. This occurs near the peak of the story. This speech introducer occurs about once or twice per story, and always at a thematic high point. In 93 it occurs in a story where young men are trying to court the beautiful young lady. At first many of the men begin to chase her but are distracted when money is thrown on the ground. But in line 21 of that story, another young man says kwokuno ‘like this’ “I won’t look at the money. I will just grab her, so I can go home with her.” This reported speech occurs at a key point in the development of the story theme, just before the peak and thus is introduced with kwokuno. 93 Muguma wa yabo batabana anayitoneesa kwokuno: Niehe ndagalola ku fwaranga, One of those young men though like this ME I will not look to money ngamúgwata naaho, gira nimutaahane. I will grab her just in order I take her home. ‘One of those young men thought to himself like this, “ME, I will not look at the money. I will just grab her and take her home.” ’ • The quote marker ti ‘that’ is used often in direct speech c, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, q, r, and s but not always d and t. This marker is especially used in informal relaxed speech and increases vividness. • In some cases no quote markers are used at all in a vivid exchange. In m, n, o, and p the speech participants, that is, the man and his wife are introduced in m: To tell the young wife, “Get down from the back” As they argue back and forth, to introduce them again would be heavy and superfluous. So just their words are presented, in two exchanges, “It’s obvious I will not get down” “Get down from the back.” “It’s obvious I will not get down”

7.2.3 Tight-knit conversations