(Meta)discursive uses of Latin HEUS

Abstract

In the present paper the polemic status of the Latin interjection heus is discussed in the context of its attestations in the Plautine dialogues. After applying the methods of the conversational analysis to the data, we distinguish two different “particle” uses of the exclamation. On the level of the global organization of the dialogue heus is employed as a summon move, adapted also by Plautus to the conditions of the off-stage communication. Moreover, there are also examples of a “particle” use inside one utterance, where the interjection operates on the illocutionary force of the message. The results of the examination provide more arguments for the exclusion of the so-called appellative interjection from the word class of interjections.