Linguistic and sociolinguistic awareness towards Japanese honorifics and politeness strategies of Polish students of Japanese studies

要旨

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the linguistic and communicative competences regarding the use of Japanese honorifics among young language learners of Japanese studies in Poland. The attitude of Polish students towards the category of keigo – its diversification and significant role as a communicative strategy, especially in the perspective of implementing Japanese language in future social and professional life – is considered here an important component of the present research. The major method for this investigation has been the analysis of a questionnaire conducted in the Department of Japanese and Chinese Studies of Jagiellonian University among the participants of different years of study in order to determine the level of their knowledge and ability to use Japanese language on different levels of its politeness and casualness. The study also includes a brief assessment of the students’ motivation and attitude towards acquiring and developing communicative skills in regard to Japanese politeness. The impact of the native language, which may be regarded as an obstacle for using foreign language for communicative purposes naturally and efficiently, has also been taken into account. Moreover, the selection of teaching materials as well as the role of Japanese language teachers, whose teaching strategies and engagement in developing communicative competences of students influence learning processes, will be also mentioned in order to determine the extent of significant external motivations influencing the learning processes of foreign students.

主題