THE CULTURAL DISCOURSE OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS.

摘要

Attempts to learn the Japanese language in the United States have experienced an exponential increase in the past decade as is evidenced by the proliferation of Japanese language courses being offered in elementary, junior and senior high schools, and universities. Among the materials most often used in Japanese language courses, the textbook continues to play a central role in instruction. In addition to explanations of grammar, syntax, pronunciation, and orthography, it provides both learners and teachers with examples of Japanese discourse that are to be used as models for emulation by the students. Significant problems have been found to exist, however, when taking into account cultural aspects of Japanese discourse.;The following dissertation begins with a brief autobiographical account of the author's introduction to the Japanese language. Chapter two introduces readers to the problem dealt with in the main body of the dissertation: the need to bridge the gap between grammar, lexicon and everyday interaction by integrating explanations of the everyday practices of language users into language instruction. Chapter three consists of a review of the related literature and is followed in chapter four by an analysis of the discourse of existing textbooks including examples of inappropriate use of personal referents in them. Chapter five provides analysis of real conversations in everyday situations. The conclusion offers recommendations for improving classroom instruction.