How can you be so certain? The use of hearsay evidentials by English-speaking learners of Japanese

Abstract

As argued in Kamio's (1990, 1997) works on the theory of territory of information and other studies, there are differences in how evidentials are used in Japanese and English. Due to such differences, English-speaking learners have been reported to face difficulties when marking their epistemic stance in Japanese (Kamada, 1990). This study systematically investigates how English-speaking learners of Japanese use hearsay evidentials in Japanese and English, and it empirically examines whether there is a transfer effect from the learners’ first language to the target language. Data were elicited through production questionnaires in which the learners were instructed to verbally convey hearsay information to specified addressees. Quantitative analysis of the data showed that the learners used significantly less overt hearsay evidentials in both languages, as compared to the Japanese speakers’ production in Japanese. Furthermore, quantitative and qualitative analyses identified patterns which suggest possible effects of transfer from English to Japanese. Additionally, close examination of the learners’ production according to evidential types and in relation to the situational variables controlled in this study revealed instances in which the learners were attempting to approximate the Japanese speakers’ use. Suggestions for future research and for a pedagogical approach to teaching the use of hearsay evidentials are also provided.