Gender and Language in Japan - Research Proposal Example

Running Head: Gender and Language Name Course Lecturer Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0.Introduction 3 2.0.Literature review 3 3.0.Purpose of the Study and Research Questions 5 4.0.Research Methodology 6 4.0.1.Research design 6 4.0.2.Focus groups 6 4.0.3.The Research Procedure and Sampling 8 4.0.4.Data 8 4.0.5.Assumptions 9 4.0.6. Limitations 9 5.0.Data analysis 10 6.0.Discussion 12 1.0. Introduction Evidently, Japanese culture is usually seen as homogenous and static which is a misconception by many cultures across the globe. According to Takamori (2010), culture is changing in that it widely evolves as various cultures interact with one another. Shibamoto et al. (2009) assert that one key aspect of Japanese culture is language. With the various dialects each possessing different and unique characteristics, Japanese language is considered to be diverse. According to Takamori (2010), language is considered to be a marker of ethnicity, citizenship and class. Not only does it differentiate people within a language but also gives variation in speech used by genders in this case focusing on Japan (Kumagai & Shinji, 2009) 2.0. Literature review Miyako (2006) maintains that Japanese female speakers have a tendency to speak in a more polite and formal manner than their counterparts male speakers. Many researchers and scholars have proven that many men and women speakers in drama and other T.V. shows are fully aware of the kind of language they are supposed to use but are never keen to use this on stage. Yumiko and Saft (2003) note that the Japanese literature has been underscored for portraying wide diversity especially in female linguistic practices in recent times. For instance, previous literature has demonstrated Japanese mothers using an asymmetrical kind of presentation in both informal and formal speeches. In addition to this, stereotypically masculine forms of sentence structures are increasingly being used by female actors, features that were originally preserved for males. It has been revealed that this kind of flexibility has contributed to a general rejection of the idea of women’s language norms as women can now express themselves. . SturtzSreetharan (2006) shows that practices in Japanese men’s speech demonstrate greater diversity and there is no one particular notion of speech. While it is globally assumed that men tend to use language that is stereotypically masculine including deprecatory and vulgar forms, James and Suzuki (2003) maintain that this is not the case with Japanese men. This only is likely to happen in the speech young men and specifically those learning the speech art but it is quite unlikely for those already conversant with it masculine language, well as retirees. She further explains that young men frequently use stereotypically masculine sentence final particles in their casual conversations while the retirees and the middle-aged sarariimen use more clause-final politeness while speaking. Sachiko (2003) explains that men also use stereotypically masculine sentence final particles which are dialectal with the aim of claiming big-brotherness and solidarity and for masculinity purposes. Shibamoto Smith’s article “The green leaves of love: Japanese romantic heroines, authentic femininity, and dialect” details the creation of joseigo, which is known to be a unique version of how Japanese women speak. Shibamoto et al. (2009) asserts that Joseigo possesses various elements where it is spoken by women of both middle and upper class. Anime and TV drama have widely contributed to the influential use of joseigo. Older generation women use joseigo believing that it displays politeness in the way they address people. Joseigo places a significant emphasis on being “ladylike” or “feminine”. Kumagai & Shinji (2009) maintain that Japanese women are expected to behave in certain ways which entails being compliant with various style of speech. Women often are expected to speak in a higher tone whereby they use “feminine” words as a way of softening their speech (Tanaka & Mihoko, 2002). According to Doerr (2010), one feature of joseigo is the constant usage of specific pronouns. In women’s speech there is an omission of the copula da, and an increase use of particle wa in female speech. According Doerr (2010), this kind of omission of some words is what causes differences between feminine speech and that of masculine speech styles. Kumagai & Shinji (2009) maintain that the differences in gendered speech in Japan have resulted in the creation of linguistic variation within the Japanese language. 3.0. Purpose of the Study and Research Questions The purpose of this study is to explore how gender values of speech are portrayed by the Japanese television. It was to define the gender values depicted in the use of speech in Japanese drama and anime. The objectives includes 1. To identify how male speech is portrayed in television 2. To identify how female speech is portrayed in television 3. To identify the difference or similarities between the two genders as portrayed 4. To contribute to ongoing gender oriented sociolinguistic studies 4.0. Research Methodology This chapter outlines the methodology of the study in which the researcher describes the research design and a rationale for it. Also describes is the sampling strategy in the location of study in addition to data collection methods and tools employed as well as data transcription and analysis techniques. 4.0.1. Research design The research design for this was an exploratory research design, as it sought to contribute to this research field and as Duff, 2008 notes to offer new perspectives on broader theoretical issues to race in language learning. It was also qualitative and a single case study. It was a single case study given the sample selected was a diverse representation of various cultures. The study implemented the focus groups concept due its explorative nature. 4.0.2. Focus groups Focus group is a dynamic and highly versatile technique that has a lot to offer to researchers, as a stand-alone method or in tandem (Belk, 2006) with other research methods. They have an element of flexibility and adaptability, like other qualitative methods where meaning emerges from participants, which should not be mistaken for looseness (Litosseliti, 2003). Litosseliti, 2003, furthers on that their open-ended nature allows insight into the world of the participant in their own language; however, it requires a skilled and experienced researcher to successfully develop and build on such insight. Due to the cultural fabric of the Japanese, with the issues discussed in anime being taboo (Frasier, 2007), and the multi-opinionated concern in the gender changes portrayed by dramas, I opted for focus group as a key methodology so that the diversity rocking the polemic subject be discussed thus get a richer data. There are key issues in undertaking focus group research. They include group dynamics, theories informing focus groups, implementation (Belk, 2006). All groups, despite their life time or task are subject to group dynamics. Psychologically, the dynamics create an enabling environment for anonymity and security for the member, encouraging open-mindedness. The group is also exciting and supportive. However, the dynamics can also work against the focus group due to group think, attitude polarisation and possible domination by several individuals leading to compliance. There are several theories that base-up focus groups: exploratory, phenomenological and clinical. The phenomenological approach gives weight to my choice of this research design. Implementation requires subscription to the following rules: use three to five focus groups per project, use homogenous participants in personal characteristics (Belk, 2006), a relatively structured interview with substantial moderator engagement and have 6-10 participants per group (Frasier, 2007) who are strangers rather than acquaintances. They are fast and cost efficient and bettered by consensus and diversity which are important for sociolinguists. It is further indicated by studies that the strengths and weaknesses of the groups are dependent on the researcher’s focus reliance and group interaction, well influenced by dynamics. 4.0.3. The Research Procedure and Sampling The researcher used multiple-level sampling that coupled purposive and random sampling. Four focus groups were used, all being Japanese sociolinguistic students but from different countries sampled from second year level. This was at the Macquarie University. The institution was randomly selected from many other that do have international students in their respective sociolinguistic departments. From the institution, the researcher was purposive on second year students with sociolinguistic background and their assumed ability to define and engage in the matters at hand. For nationalities were also randomly sampled: Americans, Japanese, Australian and African, from which eight students, four males and four females, were randomly selected to form the focus groups. Participants in two groups were shown a selected anime, while the others were shown a local drama. The participants were informed of the general nature of the study, but were uninformed of the cultural issues and substance in question. After the viewing, the participants were asked questions, open-ended in nature following the funnel technique (Frasier, 2007), to enhance free yet objectively controlled interaction amongst them. The questions were made native language-friendly and were video recorded to assist in analysis. This was done in within two hours. 4.0.4. Data The study made use of both primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected from the viewed video clips by the focus groups who discussed the issues as moderated by the researcher. Secondary data used was previous literature. This was so as the study was explorative seeking to add to the literature already available on gender and language in Japanese television. The researcher explored into the literature comparing and contrasting findings. The study primarily employed thematical analysis, a grid system that summarizes what each focus group said in its context. With segmented and homogenous groups, the method is helpful for making and notating comparisons across the diverse segmented focus groups easy. Each group’s transcriptions were coded and analyzed by comparing and contrasting response for each question so as to locate saliency which is used to develop themes. 4.0.5. Assumptions The following assumptions were made in the study 1. That all second year students undertaking sociological studies were exposed enough to adequately contribute to the study. 2. That group dynamics would overcome personal inclinations and successfully so. 3. That the sample would give true representation of the population 4.0.6. Limitations The study was faced by several limitations: 1. The time in group discussion was limited given the nature of discussions. The researcher had to implement control and moderating mechanisms allowing a 3-minute window for every participant 2. The responses were highly opinionated, and could alter the end results. However, the researcher ensured on-track discussions by the use of questions 5.0. Data analysis Cultural differences were apparent as the dominant overarching theme in the study. Other minor themes included the exposure, parenting styles and the teaching ideologies as a major contributing factor to the usage of speech among the Japanese male and female speakers. The anime is integrated into the peoples’ life in Japan since their childhood and it is believed according to the respondents that it was far much easier for people to be involved in them based on their content and their visuals. This is because the mode of language used by in the anime films, Manga, is appreciated by most of the population in Japan. The anime film often promote their culture as it is the mode through which the Japanese religion and history is communicated to the larger population. The anime has been in existence in the country for long and thus forming part of their tradition as people are often integrated into it from childhood. The respondents in the focused group discussion revealed that the speech of the anime was age sensitive as the films were classified according to the ages. The anime played a major role in the Japanese language continuity. This is evident as the respondents indicated the use of the printed and audio visual anime in the exposing of the young Japanese to the language through the Manga comic editions. The modes increased in complexity as the children were exposed to reading and writing. The anime according to the respondents inspires the young mind into learning and reading as they are able to relate to the characters who reflect their society and culture. The use of the appropriate speech in respect to the age groups is able to be tracked as the comic editions are serialized. The comic editions and motion films are cheap as compared to the Hollywood movie editions thus making it easier for them to be easily acquired. The anime to the respondents had the use of speech depending on the scenes and the age setting to which the films and the anime materials are addressed to. However, it is realized that the strictness that was employed in the movie and comic production is slowly fading out. The anime according to the respondents has witnessed the exclusion of the strict use of the script as most actors go on to use their own language and speech. This has slowly introduced the improper use of diction that is not age sensitive. The violent and sexual episodes are becoming common even in the young age targeted films and comic anime. It was also agreed by the respondents that some of the explicit cultural information is not suitable for the young ages and especially children audiences. The respondents in the FGD agreed that culture and language played a major role in the acceptance of the anime material. The culture depends a lot on the speech for the continuity of culture. The use of culturally acceptable language is paramount in the use and circulation of the anime film and other comic materials. The respondents also agreed that violence and the sexual activities that have become a norm in the materials have contributed a lot in the use of the inappropriate speech as the actors seem to imitate the western culture. The culture on the other hand, as expressed by the respondents, plays a vital role in determining the speech that is used by the male or female in the anime and TV programs. The female according to the respondents used more culturally acceptable speech as compared to their male counterparts. The male most frequently used suggestive speech as they are more exposed to the violent and sexual act scenes. The respondents also indicated the ending words in some sentences were characterized to be female while others were mostly dominantly used by their male counterparts. “Kai”, “zo”, “to”, and “sa” were more prominently used by the male whereas “wa”, “wa yo”, “wa ne” and “da ne” were more dominantly used by the female. The female according to the respondents spoke using a higher register as compared to their male counterparts. More use of the polite forms of the language was also used by the female than the male. The more formal use of language according to the respondents is associated with the female. In addition, the female tended to omit some sounds in favor of the others. This can only be linked to the cultural aspects on the use of language and the expectations of the society on the male and women in the use of language. The culture portrayed women’s attractiveness based on their speech and choice of words. 6.0. Discussion Based on the data analysis, attractiveness to women is strongly linked to choice of words in speech. For one to be considered a language beauty, she must have the knowledge and the acceptable choice of words. The Japanese speech has an inclusion of several word variants culturally to express politeness and/or formality. This is observed and emulated in the choice of words in the anime. The anime observes the choice of words that are considered polite in both genders. The choice of speech words in the anime is based on the stratification that is based on the gender lines. The anime has witnessed a significant shift in the choice of words in speech in female. The modern speech used in the anime does not truly represent the real life of the modern day Japanese woman (Sachiko, 2003). The female choice of words has become more neutral and almost masculine. A greater diversity is witnessed in the use of the speech in males with no particular notion with most of them using or dominantly employing the vulgar forms. This is mainly evident in the speech employed by the young males and especially in those who are learning the art. The form and choice of words in speech is highly linked to the ages of the speakers and their current occupation (Ito, 2005). References James, R. and Suzuki, N. (2003). Men and masculinities in contemporary Japan: Dislocating the salaryman doxa. New York: RoutledgeCurzon. Kumagai, Y. & Shinji, S. (2009). ‘Ignorance’ as a Rhetorical Strategy: How Japanese Language Learners Living in Japan Maneuver their Subject Positions to Shift Power Dynamics. Critical Studies in Education 50(3): 309-321. Miyako, I . (2006). Vicarious language: Gender and linguistic modernity in Japan. Berkeley: University of California Press. Sachiko, I. (2003). Women's language as a group identity marker in Japanese. Gender across languages: The linguistic representation of women and me, 3: 227- 238. Shibamoto S. et al. (2009). "The Green Leaves of Love: Japanese Romantic Heroines, Authentic Femininity, and Dialect." Journal of Sociolinguistics 13.4: 524-46 SturtzSreetharan, C. (2006) Gentlemanly gender? Japanese men's use of clause-final politeness in casual conversations. Journal of Sociolinguistics 10.1: 70-92. Takamori, A. (2010). Rethinking Japanese American “Heritage” in the Homeland. Critical Asian Studies 42(2):217-238 Yumiko, O. and Saft, S. (2003). Using conversation analysis to track gender ideologies in social interaction: toward a feminist analysis of a Japanese phone-in consultation TV program. Discourse and Society 14 (2): 153 – 172. Ito, K. (2005). A history of Manga in the context of Japanese culture and society. The Journal of Popular Culture, 38, 3. Belk, R. (2006). Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods in Marketing. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Edgar. Duff, Patricia (2008). Case Study Research in Applied Reseach in Applied Lingustics. Boca Raton, FL: Lea Frasier, A. N. (2007). A Clash of Cultures : Cultural Differences Within Amerian and Japanese Animation . Texas: University of Texas. Litosseliti, L. (2003). Using Focus Groups in Research . London: Continuum, cop. Read More

This only is likely to happen in the speech young men and specifically those learning the speech art but it is quite unlikely for those already conversant with it masculine language, well as retirees. She further explains that young men frequently use stereotypically masculine sentence final particles in their casual conversations while the retirees and the middle-aged sarariimen use more clause-final politeness while speaking. Sachiko (2003) explains that men also use stereotypically masculine sentence final particles which are dialectal with the aim of claiming big-brotherness and solidarity and for masculinity purposes.

Shibamoto Smith’s article “The green leaves of love: Japanese romantic heroines, authentic femininity, and dialect” details the creation of joseigo, which is known to be a unique version of how Japanese women speak. Shibamoto et al. (2009) asserts that Joseigo possesses various elements where it is spoken by women of both middle and upper class. Anime and TV drama have widely contributed to the influential use of joseigo. Older generation women use joseigo believing that it displays politeness in the way they address people.

Joseigo places a significant emphasis on being “ladylike” or “feminine”. Kumagai & Shinji (2009) maintain that Japanese women are expected to behave in certain ways which entails being compliant with various style of speech. Women often are expected to speak in a higher tone whereby they use “feminine” words as a way of softening their speech (Tanaka & Mihoko, 2002). According to Doerr (2010), one feature of joseigo is the constant usage of specific pronouns. In women’s speech there is an omission of the copula da, and an increase use of particle wa in female speech.

According Doerr (2010), this kind of omission of some words is what causes differences between feminine speech and that of masculine speech styles. Kumagai & Shinji (2009) maintain that the differences in gendered speech in Japan have resulted in the creation of linguistic variation within the Japanese language. 3.0. Purpose of the Study and Research Questions The purpose of this study is to explore how gender values of speech are portrayed by the Japanese television. It was to define the gender values depicted in the use of speech in Japanese drama and anime.

The objectives includes 1. To identify how male speech is portrayed in television 2. To identify how female speech is portrayed in television 3. To identify the difference or similarities between the two genders as portrayed 4. To contribute to ongoing gender oriented sociolinguistic studies 4.0. Research Methodology This chapter outlines the methodology of the study in which the researcher describes the research design and a rationale for it. Also describes is the sampling strategy in the location of study in addition to data collection methods and tools employed as well as data transcription and analysis techniques. 4.0.1. Research design The research design for this was an exploratory research design, as it sought to contribute to this research field and as Duff, 2008 notes to offer new perspectives on broader theoretical issues to race in language learning.

It was also qualitative and a single case study. It was a single case study given the sample selected was a diverse representation of various cultures. The study implemented the focus groups concept due its explorative nature. 4.0.2. Focus groups Focus group is a dynamic and highly versatile technique that has a lot to offer to researchers, as a stand-alone method or in tandem (Belk, 2006) with other research methods. They have an element of flexibility and adaptability, like other qualitative methods where meaning emerges from participants, which should not be mistaken for looseness (Litosseliti, 2003).

Litosseliti, 2003, furthers on that their open-ended nature allows insight into the world of the participant in their own language; however, it requires a skilled and experienced researcher to successfully develop and build on such insight.

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