L2 Learners’ Selection of Formality in Japanese Verbs: Linguistic and Non- Linguistic Factors

Arifumi Saito

doi:10.32996/ijllt.2021.4.7.10

Abstract

This study explores how Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) learners express their own cultures and identities as well as their L1 aspects in L2 Japanese in terms of politeness. Many scholars claim that language reflects the speaker’s culture and identity, so it could be natural for JFL learners to express their cultures and identities in Japanese. Based on the idea, how JFL learners’ non-linguistic as well as linguistic aspects are reflected in their use of Japanese verb forms in terms of formality was examined through an activity called ‘Translation-based Communicative Activity’ in a university-level Japanese class. In the activity, the learners selected verb forms at different levels of politeness according to different social contexts. The participants were 12 international students from 8 different countries studying in Japan. As a result, American, German, and French students tend to show their L1 context (both linguistic and cultural aspects) in expressing politeness in L2. On the other hand, half of the Asian students (Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian) selected the verb forms in the way of the Japanese rather than their own ways. In this paper, we discuss what makes the difference in the students’ selections of the verb forms in each context among different subjects.

Highlights

1 The current study focuses on Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) learners’ writing productions to view how the learners express their own cultures and identities (L1 context) in Japanese (L2)
4.1 Selection of Formality in Verbs by L2 Learners Based on the calculation method in Section 3.3, the usage ratios of the particular verb forms are shown according to the individual situation in the email and participant in Figure 1 as follows
The last question focuses on politeness in the Japanese context, and the question content is the same as the one in the translation activity: “What verb forms would you use to the following persons in the situation?” One of the reasons for setting the question was to compare the international students in the translation activity and Japanese students in the cross-cultural activity in the selection of the verb forms in each situation

Summary

Introduction

2.2.1 Language and Culture/Identity in Politeness The activity is designed for JFL learners to choose different verb forms at different levels of formality according to different social contexts. It is hypothesized that the selection of these verb forms reflects JFL learners’ own cultures and identities (L1 context) in politeness and social relationship, which would show their own communication style in politeness that is different from that of Japanese-native speakers.

Results

Conclusion