How Do Non-native Speakers Evaluate Native Speakersʼ Explanations?

An Analysis of Perspectives and Linguistic Behaviors Affecting the Evaluation

Abstract

The number of foreign residents has been rapidly increasing in Japan. Consequently, various proposals promoting Yasashii Nihongo (ʻEasy Japaneseʼ), which is a linguistic adjustment, have been put forth as a way to facilitate communication with non-native speakers. However a question arises: how are these adjustments evaluated by the non-native speakers who are recipients of the information conveyed? In this paper, I examine the non-native speakersʼ evaluations of explanations given by native speakers, and analyze their evaluation perspectives and linguistic behaviors that affect the evaluation. The results indicate that "positive attitude of participation," "calm attitude," and "appropriate explanation according to the partner" were perspectives that affected the evaluation. In addition, a comparison of the verbal behaviors of high-and low-rated native speakers suggested that "active engagement in conversation," "verbal behaviors that considered the partnersʼ comprehension," and "behaviors that were based on an equal relationship" influenced the ratings. Thus, it can be concluded that native speakers are highly regarded for considering the level of non-native speakersʼ comprehension while explaining something to them.