Characteristics of Japanese Origin Loanwords in Yapese

Abstract

In this paper we examine the characteristics and background factors of Japanese origin loanwords (JOL) in Yapese. This is done through a comparison with other languages of the pre-war Japanese south seas (Nan'yo) island colonies. Even prior to the Japanese administration, the current Yap State constituted a multilingual area, a situation which differs from other Nan'yo islands. Yap State had only a small Japanese population but due to multiple indigenous languages, Japanese was used as a lingua franca. Under these circumstances, the number of JOL paled in comparison to other languages, but a great percentage of these underwent semantic change. Japanese also demonstrated a strong influence phonologically as well. Against a background of commonalities seen in JOL throughout the Nan'yo regions, individual language characteristics also come into focus.