Gender and facework

Linguistic practices by Japanese male superiors in the workplace

Authors

  • Junko Saito Temple University Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v7i2.233

Keywords:

japanese, workplace, men's language, facework, pragmatic meaning

Abstract

This study qualitatively examines linguistic practices of Japanese male superiors in interactions with male subordinates in a Japanese workplace, focusing particularly on their use of two linguistic forms: Vroot+(y)oo (Let’s do X) and Vroot+ro/e (Do X!). The study illustrates two practices of these male superiors: first, they use Vroot+(y)oo, which is not strongly associated with normative men’s language, in interactions where normative men’s language is otherwise used. Second, they utilize a strongly male-associated form, Vroot+ro/e, in interactions that otherwise involve feminine-associated stylistic features. The analysis shows how these two linguistic forms, when used in such interactions, contribute to male superiors’ facework. Confirming a claim made in previous research, this study suggests that speakers use normative language less associated with their own gender in order to convey a specific pragmatic meaning and to achieve certain communicative ends in ongoing interactions.

Author Biography

  • Junko Saito, Temple University Japan

    Junko Saito is Lecturer at the Japanese/Critical Languages Programme at the Temple University in Tokyo.

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Published

2013-07-12

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Saito, J. (2013). Gender and facework: Linguistic practices by Japanese male superiors in the workplace. Gender and Language, 7(2), 233-261. https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v7i2.233