Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics

Committee Chair

Sergio Robles-Puente

Committee Co-Chair

Sandra Stjepanovic

Committee Member

Jonah Katz

Abstract

This thesis examines the variations of loanword abbreviations in Japanese dialects. When adopting foreign words into Japanese, phonological grammar is applied creating loanwords. When loanwords are introduced, Japanese phonological rules determine how to pronounce the new words; Japanese truncation styles are applied to shorten and abbreviate loanwords. Much like native Japanese words, regional variations can be observed in loanword abbreviations. In order to discover how variations are created, this study compares two dialects: the eastern Japanese dialect (standard dialect) and the western Japanese dialect (Kansai dialect). Despite a recent decrease in popularity, the Kansai dialect is still one of the most prestigious dialects in Japan. This thesis addresses and explores how variations between two regions, Nagoya (east) and Kansai (west) are generated. A survey was conducted with the help of 121 university students from both regions. The methods used were a perception test, an acceptability judgement test, a production test, and an additional questionnaire. The data analysis reveals that adaptations in loanword abbreviations are closely related to Japanese sociophonetics and phonology. Results further show how cultural histories impact the modern Japanese lexicon.

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