Japanese and English: borrowing and contact

This paper describes the two kinds of English extant in Japan today. These are ‘Japanized English,’ based on the use of English loanwords spoken by Japanese among themselves, and ‘the Japanese variety of English,’ spoken as a second language with foreigners. It is argued that these varieties have their origins in three lines of linguistic contact between Japan and the West (particularly America and Britain) during the past century: a line of pidginization, a line of borrowing, and a line of formal English instruction. By examining the unique results of this contact situation, insight can be gained on both the dynamics of Japanese culture and the viability of English as an international language.