Marking of Speech Act Distinctions in Japanese and English

Abstract

The present study examines differences between Japanese and English with respect to speech act distinctions. In particular, the two languages are contrasted with each other in terms of overt realizations of such distinctions. It is then shown that speech act distinctions are more robustly realized overtly in Japanese than in English. The main goal of this paper is twofold. First, I show why the difference between the two languages in terms of overt marking of speech act distinctions poses a significant challenge for speakers of English to learn Japanese. Second, I demonstrate that the difference in question is more prevalent than it is usually assumed, implying that the challenge that learners face is also more prevalent. It is thus my hope to raise the awareness of this challenge among instructors as well as among students.