A Subjective Report of Pragmalinguistic Failure

概要

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This paper begins with a subjective history of the writer's L2 (Japanese) learning experience. It i followed by a detailed description of three instances of pragmalinguistic failure, each related to th correct use of keigo (honourific formal Japanese according to many definitions). Keigo is both a indispensable part of sociolinguistic life in Japan and a major linguistic challenge to almost all foreig Japanese language learners, and even some native Japanese speakers. To be exact, the speech act concern requesting/asking another person to do something, offering to do something for another person and statements indicating that a third party has done something for one's self. The language difficultie stem from both the complexity of the grammar and from wakimae, or rather the lack of wakimae, whic can be defined as the innate awareness of one's societal position in relation to other's societal positio and also the situation actors find themselves in at the time of speaking (Ide et al. 1992). This sort o social knowledge is a necessary element for the skillful use of keigo. Wakimae, or lack thereof, alon with imperfect knowledge of keigo grammar rules, is considered a significant source of this Japanes language learner's pragmatic troubles. Finally, some ways are considered to help overcome th challenges presented by keigo.