Form and Function of Keigo in the Family Domain in the Film Tokyo Story (1953): A Sociolinguistic Approach

This study aims to examine the form and function of keigo in the family domain in the film Tokyo Story (1953) through a sociolinguistic approach. Using a descriptive method, this study aims to describe the variety of respectful language (keigo) found in family genre films in the film Tokyo Story which represent the conditions of keigo use associated with social factors in society in the Showa era. This study also classifies keigo expressions according to their types and meanings, and analyzes the use of keigo during that period, to see the shifts and factors that influence the shifts to then be analyzed holistically through a sociolinguistic approach. By comparing the differences and similarities in the use of keigo in two different time periods, namely the post-war era in Japan (1953) and the modern era of Japan (2019), this study constructs an understanding of how keigo reflects social relations, hierarchies, and family values ​​in Japanese society. The results of the study show that the use of keigo in the films Tokyo Story (1953) reflects significant differences in form and function influenced by social changes in Japanese society between the Showa era. In Tokyo Story, the dominant use of sonkeigo (respectful language) and kenjougo (derogatory language) is found, especially in interactions between children and parents. Examples include the use of forms such as gozaimasu, itadakimasu, and irasshaimasu by children to their parents. In the Showa era, the function of keigo was more as a tool to uphold social norms and family hierarchy. In Tokyo Story, keigo becomes a means of expressing strong respect for parental authority, even when emotional relationships seem strained.