A Study of Lexical Meanings Through Hinshi Bunrui Analysis of the Particles Wa and Ga in The Book Album by YOASOBI

Abstract

This study aims to explain the lexical semantic meanings that emerge from the analysis of hinshi bunrui (word classification) before and after the use of the Japanese particles wa (は) and ga (が) in the song lyrics of The Book album by YOASOBI. In addition, this research examines the roles of these particles in constructing meaning and emotional nuances within the lyrics. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach with a focus on lexical semantic analysis. The data consist of lyric excerpts containing the particles wa and ga, collected from songs in The Book album. Data collection was conducted through observation and note-taking techniques. The data analysis procedure involved three stages: (1) identifying and classifying the parts of speech (hinshi bunrui) that appear before and after the particles wa and ga based on Tomita Takayuki’s classification theory, including meishi (nouns), daimeishi (pronouns), doushi (verbs), keiyoushi (adjectives), fukushi (adverbs), suushi (numerals), rentaishi (adnominals), and meishika (nominalization); (2) analyzing the lexical meanings using Geoffrey Leech’s semantic theory; and (3) examining the functions of wa and ga in marking topics, subjects, emotional emphasis, contrast, and informational focus within the lyrics. The findings reveal that the most frequently occurring word classes preceding wa and ga are meishi, particularly pronouns and abstract nouns. The particle wa is primarily used as a topic marker and to indicate contrast, whereas ga mainly functions as a subject marker, an indicator of emotional experience, and a device for emphasizing new information within a sentence. Furthermore, the lexical meanings found in the lyrics demonstrate a close relationship between linguistic elements and emotional expressions such as sadness, hope, loss, and interpersonal interactions. Therefore, the use of wa and ga in the lyrics serves not only grammatical purposes but also contributes significantly to the construction of semantic meaning and poetic nuances in the songs.