Scripting Japan: Orthography, Variation, and the Creation of Meaning in Written Japanese

The choice of font can impact an author's image, even if the content remains the same. This study explores how Japanese authors and readers use script variation as a social language practice, reflecting social ideologies, linking to language users, and influencing meaning creation. Analysis of data from multiple studies shows that even the avoidance of variation can become a socially significant act in Japan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Language is a powerful tool that can shape our perception of others and their actions. When it comes to written language, the choice of font can have a significant impact on how we interpret the author's message. In the case of Comic Sans, a font that is often associated with childish or informal communication, it may be perceived as a negative choice for an author.

However, it is important to note that the impact of font choice on our perception of an author is not always straightforward. While some fonts may be associated with certain qualities or attitudes, others may be used to create a specific tone or style that reflects the author's intentions.

In the case of written Japanese, the choice of font can have a particularly complex impact on the interpretation of the text. Japanese is a language that uses three distinct scripts: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Each script has its own unique set of characters and is used for different purposes, such as writing words, names, and phrases.

Authors in Japan have the freedom to choose which script to use for each sentence element, and this choice can reflect a variety of social ideologies and attitudes. For example, some authors may choose to use Hiragana, which is more commonly used for everyday communication, to create a more informal or approachable tone. On the other hand, some authors may use Kanji, which is more complex and often associated with traditional Japanese culture, to convey a sense of elegance or sophistication.

The choice of font can also become linked to language users and their social identities. For example, some fonts may be more popular among certain age groups or social classes, while others may be associated with specific professions or cultural backgrounds. This can create a sense of belonging or exclusion among language users, depending on their relationship to the font.

Furthermore, the choice of font can influence the total meaning created by language acts. For example, the use of different fonts can create a contrast or emphasis in the text, which can affect how the reader interprets the author's message. In some cases, the use of a bold or italic font may draw the reader's attention to a particular word or phrase, while in other cases, the use of a different font may create a sense of harmony or balance in the text.

Overall, the choice of font can have a significant impact on how we perceive an author and their message. While some fonts may be associated with negative qualities or attitudes, others may be used to create a specific tone or style that reflects the author's intentions. In the case of written Japanese, the choice of font can have a particularly complex impact on the interpretation of the text, as it can reflect a variety of social ideologies, attitudes, and social identities.

In conclusion, the choice of font can have a significant impact on how we perceive an author and their message. While some fonts may be associated with negative qualities or attitudes, others may be used to create a specific tone or style that reflects the author's intentions. In the case of written Japanese, the choice of font can have a particularly complex impact on the interpretation of the text, as it can reflect a variety of social ideologies, attitudes, and social identities. It is important to consider the impact of font choice on our perception of others and their actions, and to be aware of the potential for font to shape our understanding of language and communication.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367516659