-(N)un cannot mark contrastive focus: A reply to Jun (2019)

In terms of the function and meaning of -(n)un, there is ongoingdebate about whether the particle can indicate contrastive focus (CF). Some argue thatit can mark contrastive topic (CT) but not CF, while others believe it can mark bothCT and CF. This study aims to address this issue by focusing on 1) the connectionbetween -(n)un and relational givenness-newness and 2) the nature of contrastiveimplicatures induced by the use of -(n)un. By critically examining Jun’s (2019) argumentfor -(n)un’s ability to mark CF, it is claimed that -(n)un necessarily marks relationalgivenness (not relational newness) and contrastive implicatures generated by -(n)un arenon-cancellable and cannot convey exhaustivity, which all lead to the conclusion that-(n)un can mark CT but not CF.