COHFA | Psychology: Projects in Progress
When Actions Don’t Speak Louder than Words: How Spoken Japanese Promotes Gender Perceptions
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology & Japanese
Minor
n/a
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Maria Brown-Vazquez, Ph.D.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
This study will explore the relationship between the level of formality being used by a native Japanese speaker and others’ perceptions of him/her. Within the Japanese language, multiple meanings can be carried through the use of formal and informal language. The conveyed meaning (e.g., rudeness, joking) depends on the situation as well as the gender and age of the speaker. For example, should two friends use unexpectedly polite language with each other, they are likely trying to be funny or employ sarcasm in their exchange. However, if a worker uses informal language with his/her boss, it would convey contempt or disrespect. This research will explore whether language proficiency in L2 Japanese learners is associated with a native-like understanding of these norms by asking them to judge speakers who use appropriate and inappropriate levels of formality in everyday conversations. It is predicted that those with higher proficiency in Japanese will show more native-like interpretations of native Japanese speakers. It is also predicted that listeners will give more masculine ratings to men and women use informal Japanese and more feminine ratings to women and men who use formal Japanese.
Location
Classroom 210, Waterfield Library
Start Date
November 2016
End Date
November 2016
Affiliations
Psychology: Projects in Progress
When Actions Don’t Speak Louder than Words: How Spoken Japanese Promotes Gender Perceptions
Classroom 210, Waterfield Library
This study will explore the relationship between the level of formality being used by a native Japanese speaker and others’ perceptions of him/her. Within the Japanese language, multiple meanings can be carried through the use of formal and informal language. The conveyed meaning (e.g., rudeness, joking) depends on the situation as well as the gender and age of the speaker. For example, should two friends use unexpectedly polite language with each other, they are likely trying to be funny or employ sarcasm in their exchange. However, if a worker uses informal language with his/her boss, it would convey contempt or disrespect. This research will explore whether language proficiency in L2 Japanese learners is associated with a native-like understanding of these norms by asking them to judge speakers who use appropriate and inappropriate levels of formality in everyday conversations. It is predicted that those with higher proficiency in Japanese will show more native-like interpretations of native Japanese speakers. It is also predicted that listeners will give more masculine ratings to men and women use informal Japanese and more feminine ratings to women and men who use formal Japanese.