Įįjih and Request Formation in Upper Tanana: Evidence from Narrative Texts

Abstract: Formation and use of direct positive and negative requests in Upper Tanana (Dene) are investigated through qualitative analysis of narrative texts. Choice of request form depends on speakers’ evaluation of their entitlement, as well as of the contingencies involved in granting the request. Negative requests are relatively infrequent because they are easily construed as criticism of the hearer’s knowledge of įįjih, the moral underpinnings of Upper Tanana society, and are thus usually avoided unless the addressee is someone of whom knowledge of įįjih cannot be expected.