“Das Momentane wird momentan gegeben”. Il profilo semantico del connettivo nun nello Zeitroman di Hans Fallada Kleiner Mann – was nun?

Abstract

The article deals with the semantics of the German connective nun on the basis of its instances in the novel Kleiner Mann – was nun? (1932) by Hans Fallada. In both grammar and lexicography, the connective nun is typically categorized either as time adverb or as discourse particle. The aim of the analysis is to refine and potentially enrich the spectrum of meanings and functions that nun can take on, drawing on its high frequency in the novel as well as the wide variety of linguistic uses inherent in the literary text. Some insights are also given into the possible role of nun in expressing the narrative perspective and fostering the readers’ identification with the characters.