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.
Recommended Citation
Hattori, Yuki, "Regional Variation on Loanword Adaptation in Japanese" (2020). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 7583.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/7583