Introduction to the multi-script Japanese writing system and word processing

要旨

Abstract The general consensus among writing-systems researchers is that the Japanese writing system (JWS) is remarkably complex ( Joyce, 2002a , 2011 ). This introductory chapter consists of two main parts that, respectively, provide an overview of the multi-script JWS and a selective review of psycholinguistic research on Japanese visual word processing. More specifically, after outlining its historical development, Part 2 focuses on the contemporary JWS and on highlighting the complex conventions that simultaneously underlie how the component scripts are employed together in essentially complementary ways while effectively sanctioning its pervasive levels of orthographic variation. In contrast, the shorter Part 3 reflects on how JWS’s complexity both poses certain challenges and also affords unique opportunities for investigating the complicated interactions involved in word processing.

主題