Japanese Speech Style Selection by International Graduate Students in Laboratory Conversation:

Toward Teaching Conversation for Relationship Building

Abstract

In this study, a survey was conducted to find out how international graduate students choose Japanese speech style according to their relationships with their laboratory members. The results showed that they mainly judged their speech style based on their intimacy with the other person. In particular, the choice of casual style was carefully determined, taking into account the level of intimacy, the approach and reaction of the other person, and the discomfort they might feel. It was suggested that a conversational style that expresses friendliness while maintaining a polite style needs to be included as an educational content.