Loanwords and Japanese Identity: Inundating or Absorbed?

Loanwords and Japanese Identity explores the relationship between language and identity through an analysis of public attitudes towards foreign loanwords in contemporary Japanese society. It concludes that the debate over the use of loanwords is a manifestation of the ongoing (re-)negotiation of Japanese national identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Loanwords and Japanese Identity: Inundating or Absorbed?

This book delves into a comprehensive examination of public discussions surrounding lexical borrowing in the Japanese language. Its primary objective is to explore the intricate relationship between language and identity by examining the prevailing attitudes towards foreign loanwords in contemporary Japanese society. Specifically, the book uncovers the mechanisms through which language is perceived as a symbol of national identity by analyzing a lively newspaper controversy over the use of foreign loanwords. Through this analysis, the book concludes that the intense debate surrounding the use of loanwords can be interpreted as a distinct manifestation of the ongoing (re-)negotiation of Japanese national identity.

This book is of significant interest to scholars and students engaged in the fields of sociolinguistics, translation studies, and discourse analysis. Its cultural and geographic focus will also appeal to readers with an interest in Japanese studies and East Asian studies. By examining the complex dynamics between language, identity, and society, this book offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of language and its role in shaping cultural identities.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032054261