ASIA 131
Introduction to Japanese Linguistics: Past, Present and Future of Japanese Language Fall 2022
Division I
Cross-listed JAPN 131 / ASIA 131
This is not the current course catalog

This course is to understand of how and why the Japanese language has developed to its present form and usage. We will first learn basic concepts and methodologies of linguistics, such as how to formally analyze the patterns of speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structures (syntax), and meaning (semantics and pragmatics). Then, based on sociolinguistics, linguistic typology, anthropological and cognitive linguistics frameworks, we will investigate variations and usages of the Japanese language. Topics will include polite language and honorifics, gender and women’s language, onomatopoeia, linguistic landscape, Japanese dialects, language conflicts, language rights (Okinawans, Ainu, and Koreans in Japan), and multilingualism. The course format combines lectures, seminars, and student-facilitated discussions. There will be small quizzes, homework assignments, a final research paper, and a poster presentation of the final project. Although there is no prerequisite, intermediate Japanese proficiency or equivalent is beneficial when analyzing primary data.