Comprehension of English Loanwords in Japanese by Japanese and English Speakers

Abstract

This study addresses our understanding of English loanwords in the modern Japanese language. It aims to investigate the two types of English loanwords and made-in-Japan loanwords among Malaysian English speakers and native Japanese. The proposed study utilized a quantitative approach to determine the understanding of two groups of speakers; 60 Japanese speakers in Japan and 60 English speakers in Malaysia. The data collection of this research was completed using two questionnaires. The two questionnaires consist of 14 sentences with these two types of English loanwords selected from Japanese textbooks and other sources. The findings reflected correct responses to the meaning of English loanwords and made-in-Japan loanwords for Japanese speakers. The English speakers showed correct responses for English loanwords, however, they were discrepancies in responses when it comes to made-in-Japan loanwords. This research breaks ground on the issue of the comprehension of English loanwords and made-in-Japan among Native Japanese speakers and Malaysian English speakers. This study incorporates the theory of language contact by Thomason (2001). The contact occurs where the mutual influence of languages happens leading to code-switching, borrowing, and loanwords formed by the social setting and the contact environment. It also employs the theory of language awareness to support second language learning and develop the learner’s comprehension. The significance of the study emphasizes English language learning benefits and the importance of the learners’ understanding of the differences between English loanwords to utilize them in vocabulary building.