Role Language of LGBTQIA+ Characters in Japanese Subtitling of the U.S. TV Shows “Friends" and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

This paper analyzes role language used in the Japanese subtitling of two primetime situational comedies that originally aired in the United States in during a 30-year period, by focusing on LGBTQIA+ characters. By taking a diachronic, critical discourse analytical approach to the transcripts of the two TV shows, Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, this research will demonstrate how Japanese subtitles do not reflect the original characters and transcripts and over-feminize LGBTQIA+ characters. Two research goals are set: first, to specify how gender identity is expressed by the characters in the two shows; then, this paper presents how the translation of the dialogue in each show affects the impression of the characters. This paper also compares LGBTQIA+ characters from the two shows with heterosexual characters. To further investigate, gender-transitioned character from Umbrella Academy is analyzed. The discourse of the two shows, although mostly scripted, often correlates with actual gender ideologies and the changes occurring around the time the shows were made and aired in the US. Even though these TV shows were aired in the past, they are still popular among TV show viewers of different ages all over the world. Nowadays, there are streaming services like Netflix (a platform where both Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine are available), where one can view TV shows whenever you want to and wherever you are. These television programs will likely continue to have a large impact on people's gender ideologies. This analysis will hopefully be helpful to prevent further gender discrimination.