Anthropology

Japanese Modernity and "Women's Language"

Presenter Information

Livio Guillaume, Butler University

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Location

Indianapolis, IN

Start Date

11-4-2014 9:00 AM

End Date

11-4-2014 10:00 AM

Description

This cross-disciplinary study in sociolinguistics and anthropology focuses on the relation between language and the concepts of gender and class in Japan, putting the emphasis on the phenomenon of "women's language" – or joseigo (女性語) – and the constructed notion of Japanese modernity.

By showing how language is used as a political tool modeling personal and national identity, (self)representation and perceptions, as well as social and cultural constructs, the aim of this study is in the one hand to expose and question the various myths surrounding language in general and "Japanese women's language" in particular. This project traces joseigo back to its origins in the 19th century, works to understand why it emerged during that time, and attends to its continued relevance in today's world.

Contextualizing joseigo is crucial to fully grasp the sociocultural practices and meanings behind gendered language in Japan, and studying its usage and frequency provides an accurate view of its relevance in contemporary Japan.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 11th, 9:00 AM Apr 11th, 10:00 AM

Japanese Modernity and "Women's Language"

Indianapolis, IN

This cross-disciplinary study in sociolinguistics and anthropology focuses on the relation between language and the concepts of gender and class in Japan, putting the emphasis on the phenomenon of "women's language" – or joseigo (女性語) – and the constructed notion of Japanese modernity.

By showing how language is used as a political tool modeling personal and national identity, (self)representation and perceptions, as well as social and cultural constructs, the aim of this study is in the one hand to expose and question the various myths surrounding language in general and "Japanese women's language" in particular. This project traces joseigo back to its origins in the 19th century, works to understand why it emerged during that time, and attends to its continued relevance in today's world.

Contextualizing joseigo is crucial to fully grasp the sociocultural practices and meanings behind gendered language in Japan, and studying its usage and frequency provides an accurate view of its relevance in contemporary Japan.