Potential Verb Meanings in Japanese Version Mobile Legends Hero Voice Lines

Abstract

The research examines the meanings of potential verbs in the Japanese version of Mobile Legends hero voice lines, addressing the scarcity of studies regarding potential verbs in gaming contexts. The objective of this study is to identify the meanings of potential verbs based on their formative factors and their relationship with realization status. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through the observation and note-taking technique. The analysis employs a pragmatic approach, utilizing Shibuya’s theory (2005: 33-34) to address the research questions. The results indicate that data points of potential verb meanings in Mobile Legends hero voice lines, the meanings influenced by formative factors include emotional expression (shinjou kanou), inherent ability (nouryoku kanou), possibilities based on physical condition (naiteki jougen kanou), and external factors (gaiteki jougen kanou)—with the latter being the dominant result. Regarding the relationship between formative factors and realization status, the findings show the analysis reveals that all potential verb data in the voice lines are closely related to their formative factors. Consequently, every potential verb categorized by its formative factors is interconnected, and each can manifest as either a realization or a potential. Formative factors play a crucial role in determining whether a potential verb can be realized. These findings are expected to contribute to pragmatic studies, specifically in the analysis of potential verb meanings within digital online gaming media.

Keywords: Potential Verbs, Mobile Legends, Pragmatics, Formative Factors, Realization Status