Loanwords in Japanese:

An investigation into the use of English loanwords in Japanese,
and the influence these have on the acquisition of corresponding English words


By Yumi


The University of Birmingham
A dissertation submitted to the School of Humanities of
the University of Birmingham for the degree of
MA in TEFL/TESL







　
Abstract


This study is an investigation into the use of loanwords and Japanese English in Japanese discourse, and their influence on English lexical acquisition. Research into the use of loanwords in a Japanese best-selling newspaper was conducted, revealing that this newspaper contains on average between 3.11% (editorials) and 14.81% (TV section) of loanwords.

Although there are many loanwords in Japanese, they are sometimes seen as damaging to the Japanese language and to the acquisition of English. This kind of attitude was examined through a questionnaire administered to 50 native Japanese speakers at a variety of English proficiency levels. The objectives of the study were to examine 1) subjects’ knowledge of loanwords (LW) and Japanese English (JE), 2) how loanwords and Japanese English are influential on English vocabulary acquisition, and 3) to collect subjects’ opinions on the use of loanwords and Japanese English.

Results suggest that 1) basewords of loanwords or Japanese English obtained generally higher scores than other English words in translation, demonstrating considerable knowledge of LW and JE; 2) Japanese English and modified loanwords tend to cause difficulties for subjects, and rephonalisation often leads to spelling mistakes, with both factors arguably obstructing the acquisition process to some extent; 3) subjects proficient in English had generally negative attitudes towards LW and JE, while less proficient subject thought these could be helpful in the acquisition process.

The final chapter discussed the implications of LW and JE for English teaching and learning. The possibility of using LW and JE as valuable sources of prior knowledge is covered, and practical suggestions are made as to how this can be achieved.




　
Acknowledgements


Firstly, I would like to thank my lecturers, particularly Chris Kennedy and Robert Holland for their advice and suggestions on this dissertation.

Thanks are also due to Yasuko Nakai, Mika Nagashima and Kazunobu Hukunaga for helping me conduct pilot studies, and to all of those who responded to my questionnaire for their time for me and consideration.

Last but not least, I would particularly like to thank Terry Shortall, my supervisor, for his comments, advice, help and encouragements. I sincerely appreciate his strict and warm-hearted guidance over the last year, which supported not only my dissertation, but also my life in England.




　
List of figures and tables


Figures
1. Classification of loanwords / Japanese English
2. Classification of word choice for the questionnaire
3. Scoring system for general comments

Tables
1.　The number of loanwords appeared in the data
2.　The proportion of loanwords in the data
3.　Recognition, understanding and use of loanwords
4.　Selected words
5.　The number of subjects
6.　Q1: Results by question
7.　Q1: Results by English proficiency level
8.　Q2 - LW-rate: Results by question
9.　Q2 - LW-rate: Results by English proficiency level
10. Q2 - Scores: Results by question
11. Q2 - Scores: Results by English proficiency level
12. Q3 - Scores (Japanese): Results by question
13. Q3 - Scores (Japanese): Results by English proficiency level
14. Q3 - Scores (English): Results by question
15. Q3 - Scores (English): Results by English proficiency level
16. General comments: Results by English proficiency level
17. Summary of the subjects' comments