Implications of 終助詞 Suffix “や” in The Kansai Dialect of The Anime Sket Dance

This research explores the implications of the Kansai Dialect in Japanese, focusing on how its speech acts can be misunderstood by learners of the language. The study primarily examines conventional implicature in Kansai Dialect, using qualitative research methods. Data was collected from the anime SKET DANCE, specifically from the character "Onizuka Hime," who frequently uses Kansai Dialect. The findings reveal that the ending particle "や" (shuujoshi) in Kansai Dialect carries different meanings depending on the closeness between the speaker and listener. These relationships are categorized into five levels: close friends, friends, new acquaintances, first-time meetings, and strangers. Each level of relationship influences the implication of the particle, which can include emphasis, questions, clarification, explanations, or politeness. This research aims to help foreign learners better understand and navigate the complexities of the Kansai Dialect.