The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of interlocutor familiarity on the aizuchi usage of native Japanese speakers. This has been done by looking at the aizuchi frequencies,...Show moreThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of interlocutor familiarity on the aizuchi usage of native Japanese speakers. This has been done by looking at the aizuchi frequencies, forms and functions across three groups, no familiarity, medium familiarity and high familiarity. The focus is on the medium and high familiarity groups. The results showed that aizuchi were slightly more frequent for the higher familiarity group. The group with high familiarity showed more usage of aizuchi functioning as continuer. However, the data had a large amount of induvial variety per conversational dyad, which means that overall, it could not be concluded that the familiarity level had an influence on the aizuchi usage.Show less
For adult learners, one’s first language (L1) can and does influence the acquisition of a second language (L2). This thesis is focussed on the transfer of the progressive aspect from Japanese L1...Show moreFor adult learners, one’s first language (L1) can and does influence the acquisition of a second language (L2). This thesis is focussed on the transfer of the progressive aspect from Japanese L1 speakers of L2 Dutch. The Aspect Hypothesis, Prototype theory and the theory of crosslinguistic influence were used as a theoretical framework. Eight Japanese speakers of L2 Dutch were shown videos showing Accomplishment and Activity scenes, and the participants were asked to describe in Dutch the actions as they saw them taking place. Although hypothesised, no significant transfer on progressive aspect was found from L1 Japanese to L2 Dutch.Show less
