Japanese Politeness: An Enquiry

This book provides an integrated account of what signifies Japanese politeness, examining how far previous assumptions can apply to the language and exploring politeness strategies that have not been adequately explored. It is a valuable resource for scholars in pragmatics, Japanese language teachers, and postgraduate students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite being one of the most frequently cited examples in politeness research, existing publications primarily focus on specific aspects of politeness, and remarkably few delve into the diverse dimensions of Japanese politeness. In this comprehensive book, Yasuko Obana offers an integrated account of what constitutes Japanese politeness. By exploring the extent to which previous assumptions can be applied to the Japanese context, Obana uncovers a range of distinctive features of Japanese politeness. Employing a diachronic approach, she delves into the essence of politeness, identifies key elements associated with the term "polite in Japanese," and showcases how modern honorifics, with their apparent diverse and divergent uses, can be organized into a systematic matrix. Furthermore, by quoting the studies of traditional Japanese language scholars (kokugo gakusha), Obana brings forth different perspectives into the discourse. She also identifies politeness strategies in Japanese that have yet to be thoroughly explored, often aligning with the behavior of honorifics due to their reflection of social indexicality.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars in pragmatics, particularly those engaged in research on politeness. It is also beneficial for Japanese language teachers seeking to impart Japanese politeness to non-native learners. Additionally, postgraduate students studying Japanese or pragmatics may find this book useful for self-study.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367612252