The Development of a Dictionary of Japanese Loanwords in Palauan as a Study in Welfare Linguistics

Abstract

This paper introduces the a dictionary of Japanese loanwords in Palauan developed by the author and discusses its quality as a study in welfare linguistics. Since the concept of welfare linguistics is more ideological than practical, discussion on what welfare linguistics is and sharing the practices of welfare linguistic studies are greatly needed to further establish this area of study. This paper explains the content of the Japanese loanword dictionary in Palauan and how the dictionary is intended to help language education in Palau. It also explores the process of achieving social contribution through sociolinguistic fieldwork and the interplay of linguistic study and social contribution. It emphasizes the importance of “building rapport with the community,” “collaboration with local institutes,” and the “output of research” necessary for achieving social contribution.