Examining the Functions of Listener Responses from Native Speakers and Learners of Japanese

Abstract

This study investigates the functions of listener responses in Japanese conversation. Data were gathered from free conversation and storytelling between 14 pairs of native speakers (NS-NS) and 13 pairs of native speakers and non-native speakers (NS-NNS). Listener responses, such as un, hai, and soodesuka, were classified into seven categories according to function. The results showed that learners (non-native speakers) tend to produce less “showing listening” but more “understanding” and “reaction to the speaker’s response request” listener responses, compared with native speakers. The frequent use of “understanding” and “reaction to the speaker’s response request” listener responses suggests that learners tend to make it clear that they are understanding what the native speakers are saying and trying to facilitate communication. The less frequent use of “showing listening” listener responses, however, could project the impression that learners’ listener responses are not adequate. Furthermore, analysis of the functions and types of listener responses showed that the learners often used “soo-group” listener responses to indicate “understanding,” whereas native speakers showed frequent use of “a-group” listener responses.