Japanese women’s language use and regional language varieties

Authors

  • Holly H. K. Didi-Ogren The College of New Jersey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v5i1.61

Keywords:

regional dialects, Japan, microanalysis, representations of linguistic femininity, interactional sociolinguistics

Abstract

This paper addresses the paucity of research on women’s language use in regional Japan by investigating Iwate Dialect (ID) and Japanese Women’s Language (JWL) in face-to-face interactions among women in northeastern Japan. By bringing a consideration of region to bear on investigations of women’s language use in Japan, the aim is to contribute to work that breaks down essentialist categories of “the way Japanese women speak” to a more fruitful focus on the range of resources women employ in situated interactions. Analysis is based on ethnographic data and a close analysis of interactions, and focuses on speakers’ use of ID and JWL as devices for negotiating roles. Findings show ID is used by speakers in hesitating to take on a high-status role, and to mitigate direct challenges to claims made by other participants. JWL features are used when reiterating a point or disclaiming a role.

Author Biography

  • Holly H. K. Didi-Ogren, The College of New Jersey

    Assistant and Professor and Japanese Language Program Coordinator Areas of specialty: Gender and language, discourse analysis ( especially interactional sociolinguistics, ethnography of communication, and conversation analysis), politeness, rural Japan, power

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Published

2011-07-20

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Didi-Ogren, H. H. K. (2011). Japanese women’s language use and regional language varieties. Gender and Language, 5(1), 61-87. https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.v5i1.61