This report presents the results of a survey of the languages used on floor guides and websites of consumer businesses (primarily department stores) in central Tokyo, analyzing the data from this survey in the context of current research on Japanese linguistic landscapes. The survey, conducted in the summer of 2014, confirmed that such linguistic sites are now nearly uniform in their use of five languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), and Korean. Regarding the use of Chinese, most of the cases studied displayed both Simplified and Traditional characters, but in cases where only one was used, Simplified characters were more common; likewise, in cases where both were used, Simplified characters were given first. The current dominance of Simplified characters represents a significant shift from historical usage, which tended to prioritize Traditional characters. Meanwhile, many flagship stores in central Tokyo have historically offered information in multiple European languages in spite of the fact that speakers of these languages made up a relatively small percentage of foreign tourists; the current survey reveals that such languages are becoming less common. Both of these trends may be concluded to reflect shifts in the international economy, resulting in the transformation of the linguistic landscape of the Tokyo department store to one characterized by choice (intentional selection between multiple possible languages) and focus (consistent prioritization of several dominant languages). The most important economic factors affecting these shifts include the loosening of Japanese visa requirements in response to the rapid economic growth of Japan’s East Asian neighbors and the increase in numbers of East Asian tourists in response to the weakening of the Japanese yen. Based on these factors and on the dramatic increase in visitors from Thailand in recent years, it may be further hypothesized that Thai is a likely candidate for future inclusion.
동국대학교 일본학연구소 [The Institute for Japanese Studies Dongguk University]
설립연도
1979
분야
인문학>일본어와문학
소개
동국대학교 부설 일본학연구소는 일본의 역사, 문화, 사회를 연구하여 한일간의 상호이해증진과 문화교류에 이바지하고자 다음과 같은 사업을 실시한다. 첫째, 한일관계의 연구발표 및 강연회를 개최한다. 둘째, 정기 간행물과 연구도서 발간 및 자료를 수집한다. 셋째, 한일관련 연구비를 보조한다. 넷째, 내외 저명인사의 초빙과 임직원의 해외파견을 실시한다. 다섯째, 부속도서실을 운영한다. 여섯째, 기타 목적달성에 필요한 사업을 실시한다. 이상과 같은 사업을 통하여 한일관계의 이해의 폭을 넓힘으로써 지금까지 가깝고도 먼 양국관계에서 가까운 양국관계를 구축해 가는데 일조하고자 한다.