Use of language in
Toyoko kids
by Yuta
Focuses on the use of linguistic variation as a meaning-making tool in the enactment of identity (Drummond, 2018)
Introduction
In the metropolis, the high levels of stimulus often causes a person to be more protective of themselves by reducing possible interactions with strangers while still trying to maintain social recognition of themselves (Simmel, 1995). This results in conversations that are more surface level and the use of language in this case has more meaning than it appears as there is often a hidden or unconscious intention behind them. In a large city like Tokyo, this is even more prevalent with the culture of politeness largely reflected in its language, the main example being 敬語 (keigo), which is a form of Japanese language that is used by almost all people to communicate politeness.
Observing the way people use language can reveal how relationship with each other is built, the different power structure, and the difference in how it is used differently to an outsider vs an insider. This is important as it may be helpful in understanding the culture of the 東横キッズ (toyoko kids) and if the media representation of the area is actually accurate and the extent that their criticism is actually reflected in their nature.
The map above shows how the Toyoko kids use the space. The various and unique use of language can be seen in these areas.
For more on how Toyoko kids use of space refer to here!
Ways in which Toyoko kids use language to make relationship with strangers
Making relationships with others is not easy, especially in the metropolis. Making relationships with each other in the same group is also not so easy. In this page I will use the term strangers to refer to strangers as individuals but not strangers in terms that they belong in the same social group, in this case the Toyoko kids. This is the meaning of strangers in Karp’s understandings.
In the Toyoko hiroba, it is important that they effectively build relationships with strangers, as they are all still strangers. So, they use the Japanese language in a unique manner that makes making relationships with strangers easier (Karp, 2015). By analyzing this, I will be able to understand how different use of language affects personal relationships.
Ways in which Toyoko kids use language to establish dominance
There is always a power distance between people. In all communities there is the dominant and the submissive. And the way that this is decided is through power, and one large factor on how that is communicated is through language. In observing the Toyoko kids I realized that as equal as the it seems in the community, and as equal as the adults in the space claim the space to be, this is not the case. Many people have ways of establishing dominance using language, and here I will like to focus on impoliteness and how that can be used to establish dominance.
Conclusion
The varied use of language in the Toyoko hiroba can illuminate how relationships between strangers are built, how dominance is established and how it is used differently to outsiders. Their unique use of terms of address and paralinguistic suggests that their open acceptance allows for easier relationships to be built with strangers. However, some of the same observations such as the lack of keigo may suggest that they are being impolite in order to establish dominance. Finally, the way language is used towards outsiders show their lack of interest to the outside community.