The importance of raising awareness of English loanwords in Japanese

概要

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国立情報学研究所の「学術雑誌公開支援事業」により電子化されました。In an era of globalization in which English language learners are striving to achieve 'comprehensible' English for the purpose of communicating with the world, how do the Japanese fare in terms of both productive and receptive English skills? This paper examines the loanword phenomenon that permeates the Japanese language and investigates the effects it has on learners' spoken ability. An outline of the introduction and historical changes of loanwords is presented. The various transformations that occur at the time of borrowing and the problems associated with them are also detailed. A summary of previous research findings followed by a discussion of the related negative implications for English communication is offered. Finally, a proposal is made to English language teachers to raise awareness in their students about the benefits and drawbacks of loanword usage so that they can more successfully interact with the world around them.