Japanese instructors' perspectives on gendered speech instruction

This qualitative research study investigates post-secondary Japanese instructors’ experiences and perspectives towards Japanese gendered speech which mirrors gender ideology of Japanese society. Little scholarship has focused on the instructors’ complex attitudes towards gendered speech. This study attempts to answer three research questions:a. How are teachers’ perspectives about gender roles and gendered speech influenced by their own professional backgrounds and personal situations? b. How have the Japanese instructors taught or not taught gendered speech in their classes? What is the role of Japanese popular media (J-pop) in teaching gendered speech in their classrooms? c. Do Japanese instructors believe it is possible for students to negotiate languages to shape their identities by detaching gengoshigen (‘language resources’) from gender norms? Utilizing individual interviews and focus group meetings, this study explored instructors’ diverse viewpoints towards gendered speech. Based upon findings, implications are drawn for further research and for Japanese language pedagogy.