The Development of Interlanguage Pragmatics on Learners of Japanese in Second Language Setting

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25370578
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Japanese language education
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: BEUCKMANN Fusako (椙本総子) 東京大学, 総合文化研究科, 准教授 (50370995)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 中間言語語用論 / 第二言語習得 / 依頼 / 謝罪 / スピーチレベル / ポライトネス / ストラテジー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study's goal is to explore the pragmatic development of ten beginning learners of Japanese over 13-month in second language setting using role-play data. This study focuses strategies on request and apology, and speech levels. Learning factors were examined through interview. Data from twenty native Japanese speakers were also analyzed.
As a result, there were notable differences in distribution of strategies between L2 and NS on request and apology. However, development of the use of supportive moves on request was not observed. On request the findings revealed a decreased frequency of direct strategies and an increased use of indirect strategies. On apology the use of strategy develops as proficiency of the language increases. The learners demonstrated an increasing ability to use the main speech levels, however, no learners acquired the use of the sub-speech level. This study showed that greater command of pragmatic knowledge was achieved by exposure to the target language.

Free Research Field

日本語教育