Авторы

  • Линара Мулекова
    Преподаватель, Узбекский государственный университет мировых языков

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71337/inlibrary.uz.foreign-linguistics.79872

Ключевые слова:

Кейго форма выражения уважения в японском языке Сонкейго (尊敬語) форма выражающая почтение и вежливость Кэндзёго (謙譲語) Тэйнейго (丁寧語) преподавание японского языка вежливость в японском языке стратегии обучения овладение вторым языком культурные особенности в изучении языков практическое применение кейго в повседневной жизни.

Аннотация

Данная статья посвящена анализу трудностей, с которыми сталкиваются учащиеся при освоении кейго (японской уважительной речи), а также предлагает эффективные методики преподавания, направленные на преодоление этих сложностей. Кейго является неотъемлемой частью японской коммуникации, отражая социальную иерархию и нормы вежливости, однако остаётся одной из самых сложных областей для изучающих язык из-за сложных грамматических конструкций, культурных нюансов и ситуативной обусловленности использования. В исследовании рассматриваются типичные затруднения учащихся, включая различение форм сонкейго (уважительная речь), кэндзёго (скромная речь) и тэйнейго (вежливая речь). Также анализируются практические педагогические подходы, способствующие лучшему пониманию и применению этих форм в реальных речевых ситуациях. Путём критического анализа существующих методик и интеграции коммуникативных контекстов статья предлагает инновационные стратегии преподавания кейго, направленные на повышение доступности и интереса к его изучению. Полученные результаты вносят вклад в методику преподавания японского языка, предоставляя преподавателям ценные ориентиры для преодоления разрыва между теоретическими знаниями и их практическим применением в различных социальных ситуациях.


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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika –

Зарубежная лингвистика и
лингводидактика – Foreign

Linguistics and Linguodidactics

Journal home page:

https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics

Teaching Keigo: overcoming the difficulties of Japanese
honorific speech

Linara MULEKOVA

1


Uzbekistan State World Languages University

ARTICLE INFO

ABSTRACT

Article history:

Received January 2025

Received in revised form
10

February 2025

Accepted 25 February 2025
Available online

25 March 2025

This article explores the challenges learners face when

acquiring keigo (Japanese honorific speech) and proposes
effective teaching strategies to overcome these difficulties.

Keigo is an essential aspect of Japanese communication,

reflecting social hierarchy and politeness, yet it remains one of

the most complex areas for non-native speakers due to its
intricate grammatical structures, cultural nuances, and

situational usage. This study examines common learner

difficulties, such as distinguishing between sonkeigo (respectful

language), kenjōgo (humble language), and teineigo (polite
language), and addresses practical pedagogical methods for

improving comprehension and application. By analyzing

existing teaching approaches and incorporating real-life

conversational contexts, the article suggests innovative ways to
enhance keigo instruction, making it more accessible and

engaging for learners. The findings contribute to Japanese

language education by offering insights into how educators can

bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical
usage of keigo in various social settings.

2181-3701/© 2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol3-iss3

/S

-pp79-88

This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International

(CC BY 4.0) license (

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru

)

Keywords:

Keigo,

Japanese honorific speech,
Sonkeigo (

尊敬語

),

respectful language,

Kenjōgo (

謙譲語

),

Teineigo (

丁寧語

),

Japanese language
education,

politeness in Japanese,
teaching strategies,

second language acquisition,

cultural nuances in language
learning, practical
application of keigo.

Ta’lim jarayonida keigo: yapon tilidagi hurmat shaklini
o‘rganishdagi qiyinchiliklar va ularni bartaraf etish

ANNOTATSIYA

Kalit so‘zlar:

Keigo,

yapon tilida hurmatni

ifodalash shakli,

Sonkeigo (

尊敬語

),

Ushbu maqola keigo (yapon tilidagi hurmat shakli)ni

o‘zlashtirish jarayonida o‘quvchilar duch keladigan qiyinchiliklarni

tahlil qiladi hamda ushbu muammolarni bartaraf etish bo‘yicha

samarali o‘qitish strategiyalarini taklif etadi. Keigo yapon tilidagi

1

Teacher, Uzbekistan State World Languages University. E-mail: mulekovalinara@gmail.com


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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика

и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics

Special Issue – 3 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701

80

ehtirom va

xushmuomalalikni

ifodalovchi shakl,

Kenjōgo (

謙譲語

),

Teineigo (

丁寧語

),

yapon tili ta’limi,

yapon tilida

xushmuomalalik,

o‘qitish strategiyalari,

ikkinchi tilni o‘zlashtirish,

til o‘rganishda madaniy

o‘ziga xosliklar,

keigoning hayotda amaliy

qo‘llanilishi.

muhim muloqot vositasi bo‘lib, u ijtimoiy iyerarxiya va

xushmuomalalikni ifodalaydi. Biroq, uning murakkab grammatik

tuzilishi, madaniy jihatlari va turli kommunikativ vaziyatlardagi

qo‘llanilish xususiyatlari sababli, ayniqsa, chet ellik o‘rganuvchilar

uchun o‘zlashtirish qiyin bo‘lgan til unsurlaridan biri hisoblanadi.

Ushbu tadqiqot keigoning asosiy turlarini, jumladan, sonkeigo

(hurmatni bildirish ko‘rinishi), kenjōgo (kamtarlikni ifodalovchi

shakl) va teineigo (odobiy suhbat shakli) o‘rtasidagi farqlarni

aniqlashda o‘quvchilar duch keladigan muammolarni tahlil qiladi

hamda tushunishni chuqurlashtirish va amaliy qo‘llash

samaradorligini oshirishga qaratilgan pedagogik yondashuvlarni

taklif etadi. Maqolada mavjud o‘qitish usullari tahlil qilinib, real

hayotiy muloqot kontekstlarini qo‘llash orqali keigo o‘qitish

jarayonini yanada samarali va o‘zlashtirish uchun qulayroq

qilishga yo‘naltirilgan innovatsion metodlar ilgari suriladi. Ushbu

tadqiqot natijalari yapon tili ta’limi sohasiga muhim hissa qo‘shib,

keigoning nazariy bilim va amaliy qo‘llanilishi o‘rtasidagi tafovutni

bartaraf etish borasida o‘qituvchilar uchun amaliy tavsiyalarni

taqdim etadi.

Обучение

кейго

в

образовательном

процессе:

проблемы освоения уважительных форм японской

речи и пути их преодоления

АННОТАЦИЯ

Ключевые слова:

Кейго,

форма выражения

уважения в японском
языке, Сонкейго (

尊敬語

),

форма,

выражающая почтение и

вежливость,

Кэндзёго (

謙譲語

),

Тэйнейго (

丁寧語

),

преподавание японского

языка, вежливость

в японском языке,

стратегии обучения,

овладение вторым

языком, культурные

особенности в изучении

языков,

практическое применение

кейго в повседневной

жизни.

Данная статья посвящена анализу трудностей, с которыми

сталкиваются учащиеся при освоении кейго (японской

уважительной речи), а также предлагает эффективные

методики преподавания, направленные на преодоление этих

сложностей. Кейго является неотъемлемой частью японской

коммуникации, отражая социальную иерархию и нормы

вежливости, однако остаётся одной из самых сложных

областей

для

изучающих

язык

из-за

сложных

грамматических конструкций, культурных нюансов и

ситуативной

обусловленности

использования.

В

исследовании рассматриваются типичные затруднения

учащихся,

включая

различение

форм

сонкейго

(уважительная речь), кэндзёго (скромная речь) и тэйнейго

(вежливая речь). Также анализируются практические

педагогические

подходы,

способствующие

лучшему

пониманию и применению этих форм в реальных речевых

ситуациях. Путём критического анализа существующих

методик и интеграции коммуникативных контекстов статья

предлагает инновационные стратегии преподавания кейго,

направленные на повышение доступности и интереса к его

изучению. Полученные результаты вносят вклад в методику

преподавания

японского

языка,

предоставляя

преподавателям ценные ориентиры для преодоления

разрыва между теоретическими знаниями и их практическим

применением в различных социальных ситуациях.


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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика

и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics

Special Issue – 3 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701

81

INTRODUCTION

The Japanese language employs a complex system of honorific speech known as

keigo

(

敬語

), which serves as a fundamental means of expressing social hierarchy,

politeness, and respect in communication. The practical use of language skills has always
been valued in foreign language education. After the NCSSFL (National Council of State
Supervisors for Languages) and ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign
Languages) created Can-Do Statements in 2017, they became popular learning posts not
only for each language course but also for the overall curriculum goals of language
majors and minors. Mastering keigo is essential for achieving fluency in Japanese, as it
plays a crucial role in both formal and informal interactions. The keigo system is
traditionally categorized into three main types:

sonkeigo

(respectful language),

kenjōgo

(humble language), and

teineigo

(polite language). Each of these forms has distinct

grammatical structures and usage rules, which are highly dependent on the social status
of the speaker and listener, as well as the situational context.

Despite its importance, keigo remains one of the most challenging aspects of

Japanese language learning, particularly for non-native speakers. The complexity arises
not only from the intricate grammatical modifications but also from the deep cultural and
contextual awareness required to use it appropriately. Many learners struggle to
distinguish between different forms of keigo and apply them correctly in real-life
situations. Additionally, conventional teaching methods often emphasize theoretical
explanations over practical application, making it difficult for students to acquire a
natural command of keigo in everyday communication. This study aims to explore the
key difficulties learners face when acquiring keigo and to propose effective pedagogical
strategies to enhance its comprehension and usage. By analyzing existing teaching
methodologies and incorporating real-life conversational contexts, this research seeks to
identify innovative approaches that can facilitate the learning process. Furthermore, it
highlights the significance of integrating keigo instruction into second-language
acquisition curricula in a way that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and
practical usage. The discussion begins with a thorough review of existing literature on
keigo instruction and second-language acquisition, highlighting the linguistic, cultural,
and cognitive difficulties that non-native speakers encounter. Various studies have
examined how keigo functions as a linguistic tool for expressing social hierarchy and
politeness, yet many have also pointed out that traditional teaching approaches often fail
to equip learners with the practical skills necessary for its appropriate use in real-life
situations.

Building on this foundation, the study outlines the research methodology

employed to investigate the effectiveness of current keigo instruction. A combination of

qualitative and quantitative approaches has been utilized, including classroom

observations, learner surveys, and case studies analyzing how students interact with

keigo in various educational settings. By examining real-world learning experiences, this

study aims to uncover the specific areas where learners struggle most, whether it be

distinguishing between

sonkeigo

(respectful language),

kenjōgo

(humble language), and

teineigo

(polite language) or grasping the situational nuances that dictate their

appropriate use. These insights serve as the basis for assessing the strengths and

weaknesses of existing pedagogical strategies, particularly in terms of how effectively

they bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical fluency. The findings of

this research shed light on common patterns of difficulty among learners and reveal


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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика

и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics

Special Issue – 3 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701

82

potential avenues for improving keigo instruction. Traditional rote memorization

techniques, while helpful for initial exposure, often fail to provide learners with the

confidence and flexibility needed to use keigo naturally in conversation. As a result, there

is a pressing need for more immersive and interactive learning environments that allow

students to practice keigo in context. By integrating role-playing exercises, real-world

simulations, and multimedia resources, instructors can create a more engaging and

effective learning experience. Furthermore, incorporating technology, such as AI-driven

conversation tools or virtual language exchange platforms, may offer learners greater

exposure to authentic

keigo

usage, ultimately enhancing their ability to apply it in diverse

social settings.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The necessity of experiential learning in keigo acquisition is evident from the

linguistic challenges faced by Japanese speakers. Minayoshi (2014) cites statistical data

from a survey conducted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2005, which included 2,107

respondents aged 16 and above. The findings revealed that while 92.5% of participants

expressed a strong desire to master keigo, 67.6% reported experiencing significant

difficulties in doing so.

In Japan, keigo instruction typically begins in elementary school, around the 5th or

6th grade, and continues through college. The subject is incorporated into regular

classroom assessments and appears in entrance examinations not only for universities

but also for private high schools and even private junior high schools. Despite this

extensive period of formal education, the effectiveness of keigo instruction remains a

subject of debate, as many learners continue to struggle with its practical application in

real-life contexts.

1. Historical and Social Context of Keigo

Japan's hierarchical society has significantly influenced the development of keigo.

Before the Meiji Restoration, people from different castes used distinct speech patterns

to maintain social order (Minayoshi, 2014). Although the caste system was abolished,

keigo continues to play a vital role in modern Japanese communication. It serves as a

marker of social standing and reflects the cultural values of collectivism and respect
(Sugimoto, 2010). The concept of

uchi

(

, inside) and

soto

(

, outside) further

reinforces keigo’s use, as individuals modify their speech based on their relationship with

others (Ide, 1982). People within the same in-group, such as family and close colleagues,

use casual speech, while interactions with out-group members, such as clients or

superiors, necessitate keigo. Determining when to use keigo can be just as challenging as
mastering its forms. The uchi to soto (

内と外

) concept – meaning “inside and outside” –

is fundamental in understanding keigo usage.

Individuals within one’s uchi (

, inside) circle, such as family, close friends, and

peers, generally do not require keigo. Excessive politeness may create emotional distance
and come across as overly formal or distant. Conversely, those in the soto (

, outside)

category, such as elders, workplace superiors, and clients, necessitate keigo usage. In

professional environments, keigo plays a crucial role in defining hierarchical

relationships, particularly in distinguishing between senpai (senior) and kōhai (junior)

dynamics. For example, an employee must use keigo when addressing their senpai,

whereas casual or polite speech (teineigo) is acceptable when speaking to a kōhai. The

ability to navigate these linguistic distinctions is vital for professional and social success

in Japan.


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83

2. The Structure and Forms of Keigo

Keigo is generally categorized into three primary forms:

Sonkeigo (

尊敬語

, respectful language): Used to elevate the status of the listener

or the subject of discussion. For example, the verb "to say" (

言う

) becomes

おっしゃる

.

Kenjōgo (

謙譲語

, humble language): Used to lower oneself when referring to

one’s own actions. For instance, "to say" in kenjōgo is

申す

(

もうす

).

Teichōgo (

丁重語

, polite language): A neutral polite form used in customer

service and formal interactions.

Japanese honorific speech is particularly important in professional settings, where

hierarchical relationships between

senpai

(senior) and

kōhai

(junior) dictate speech

patterns (Kondo, 1990). In workplaces, new employees undergo rigorous keigo training

to ensure proper use in business communication (Mizutani & Mizutani, 1987).

3. Challenges in learning keigo

Despite its significance, keigo is notoriously difficult to master, even for native

speakers. A study by the Agency of Cultural Affairs in 2005 surveyed 2,107 individuals

aged 16 and above and found that while 92.5% expressed a desire to master keigo, 67.6%

found it highly challenging (Minayoshi, 2014). This difficulty arises due to the complexity

of grammatical structures and the contextual sensitivity required for appropriate usage.

Keigo is often not formally taught in schools but learned through socialization and

workplace training (Gottlieb, 2005).

4. Pedagogical Approaches to Teaching Keigo

Various methods have been proposed to enhance keigo acquisition among

learners. Kawaguchi (2012) emphasizes kyōshitsu no bunmyaku (classroom context) as a

crucial factor in keigo learning, advocating for experiential approaches. One notable

method is “the champion’s speech”, where a student, after achieving the highest score on

a quiz, is interviewed in front of the class. The student must respond using

kenjōgo/teichōgo, while the interviewer uses sonkeigo. This simulated interaction helps

students practice keigo in an authentic setting.

In addition, role-playing activities and business etiquette training are commonly

employed in Japanese language education to help learners internalize keigo structures

(Ishihara, 2011). Some educators integrate keigo instruction into broader sociocultural

lessons, reinforcing the connection between language and societal norms (Cook, 2006).

METHODOLOGY

The method of “

Time Capsule Journaling

”.

This method is suitable for students completing their first year or entering their

second year of study, as it requires familiarity with fundamental sentence structures and

commonly used everyday verbs. The activity involves instructing students to envision

themselves fifty years into the future and compose a reflective letter. In this letter, they

describe their present lives and pose questions to their future selves. This exercise

encourages self-reflection, reinforces language skills, and fosters creative expression.

Aimed at late beginner or early-intermediate learners, this activity strengthens linguistic

and metacognitive skills by having students write a self-directed letter from their present

perspective to their future selves fifty years ahead. The exercise reinforces everyday

vocabulary, basic syntax, and personal reflection. In this introspective task, students craft

a journal entry or letter as if addressing their future selves half a century later. By

describing their current lives and inquiring about future experiences, they practice

narrative tenses, question formation, and expressive language within a personally

meaningful framework.


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1. Writing basic Questions:
Students begin by writing simple, everyday questions in neutral Japanese about

daily life:

毎日、何をしていますか。

(What do you do every day?)

どこに住んでいますか。

(Where do you live?)

よくラーメンを食べますか。

(Do you often eat ramen?)

最近、どんな映画を見ましたか。

(What movies have you watched recently?)

2. Introduction to Sonkeigo (Honorific Language)
The teacher introduces sonkeigo (

尊敬語

) – special verbs and grammatical rules

used to show respect to the person being addressed. Students then revise their original
questions using honorific forms:

毎日、何をなさっていますか。

どこに住んでいらっしゃいますか。

よくラーメンを召し上がりますか。

最近、どんな映画をご覧になりましたか。

3. Writing a Letter to My Future Self
After practicing sonkeigo in question form, students write a letter to their future

selves, combining respectful questions with reflections on their current lives. This
reinforces both honorific language usage and self-expression skills.

4. Converting to Kenjōgo (Humble Language)
Now, students will rewrite their self-descriptions using kenjōgo (

謙譲語

) to

express humility when referring to their actions. Since the subject (themselves) is the one
being humble, kenjōgo is used instead of teichōgo (neutral-polite language).

Original Speech (Neutral):

今、大学で日本語と科学を勉強しています。

(I study Japanese and Science at

college.)

毎日、カフェテリアでごはんを食べます。

(Every day, I eat at the school

cafeteria.)

夜、ルームメイトとビデオゲームをします。

(At night, I play video games with

my roommate.)

週末、叔父の家によく行きます。

(I often go to my uncle’s house on weekends.)

Revised Speech (Kenjōgo):

今、大学で日本語と科学を勉強しております。

(I study Japanese and

Science at college.) – humbly

毎日、カフェテリアでごはんをいただきます。

(Every day, I eat at the

school cafeteria.) – humbly

夜、ルームメイトとビデオゲームをさせていただきます。

(At night, I play

video games with my roommate.) – humbly

週末、叔父の家によく伺います。

(I often visit my uncle’s house on

weekends.) – humbly

As they gradually increase the number of both sonkeigo and kenjōgo, they have to

keep a track of keigo that they have used.


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Special Issue – 3 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701

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DISCUSSIONS AND RESULTS

1.

The Dual Nature of Japanese Polite Speech

Japanese polite speech- keigo (

敬語

) is an intricate system that reflects social

hierarchy, respect, and humility. At its core, keigo consists of two primary honorific
forms that work in tandem to maintain balance in communication:

Sonkeigo (

尊敬語

, respectful language) – Used to elevate the actions of others,

particularly those of higher social status, customers, or individuals deserving of respect.

Kenjougo (

謙譲語

, humble language) – Used to lower the speaker’s own actions,

demonstrating humility and deference toward the listener.

These two forms complement each other, ensuring that politeness and respect are

appropriately conveyed in both directions of a conversation.

1.1. Sonkeigo (

尊敬語

) – Elevating the Listener’s Actions

Sonkeigo is used when referring to someone else's actions, emphasizing respect

and admiration. It often involves special verb forms or the addition of honorific prefixes
like

(o-) or

(go-). Sonkeigo is commonly used in professional settings, customer

service, and when speaking to elders or superiors. A key characteristic of sonkeigo is that
it never refers to the speaker’s own actions – using it for oneself would be considered
arrogant.

1.2. Kenjougo (

謙譲語

) – Humbling the Speaker’s Actions

Kenjougo, in contrast, is used when the speaker describes their own actions in a

way that lowers themselves, thereby showing deference to the listener. This form is
particularly important in business contexts, where self-effacement is a crucial part of
communication. Kenjougo is frequently used in formal speech, such as in job interviews,
business meetings, and official correspondence. By lowering oneself, the speaker
implicitly raises the status of the listener, maintaining a sense of respect and humility.

2.

The Balance Between Sonkeigo and Kenjougo

In a conversation, these two forms function together to create an equilibrium of

politeness. If one person uses sonkeigo to show respect for another’s actions, the other
may respond with kenjougo to remain humble.

For instance, in a workplace setting:

Manager (using sonkeigo):

「報告をしていただけますか?」

(

Hōkoku o shite

itadakemasu ka?

) – "Could you kindly provide a report?"

Employee (using kenjougo):

「はい、すぐにご報告申し上げます。」

(

Hai, sugu

ni gohōkoku mōshiagemasu.

) – "Yes, I will humbly provide the report immediately."

This interplay ensures that politeness flows in both directions, reinforcing

Japanese cultural values of hierarchy, respect, and harmonious communication.

3.

Honorific Prefix System

Japanese uses two primary honorific prefixes:
1.

(o) – for native Japanese words

o

名前

お名前

o

手紙

お手紙

2.

(go) – for Sino-Japanese words

o

連絡

ご連絡

o

住所

ご住所


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The honorific style can also be expressed with what is called the “easy keigo” with

verbs used in the passive form,

れる

or

られる

. Although said to be easier, this form of

keigo can be confused with the passive voice and should be used with care.

3.

Examples of keigo expressions

Table 1.

Some Useful Japanese Keigo Phrases for Work

English

Casual Japanese

Keigo words for work

Tomorrow

明日(あした)

明日(あす)

Last night

昨日の夜

昨夜

(さくや)

This year

今年

本年

(ほんねん)

Last year

去年(きょねん)

去年(さくねん)

Now

いま

ただいま

On that day

その日

当日

(とうじつ)

Immediately

すぐに

さっそく

Later

あとで

後ほど

(あとほど)

Just now

さっき

先ほど

(さきほど)

Where

どこ

どちら

About, approximately

ぐらい

~ほど


The first thing to understand is that certain kanji readings and vocabulary change

depending on whether the speech is casual or polite. A simple example is the word for
"tomorrow." Initially, you'll learn that

明日

is pronounced

あした

, but as you advance in

your Japanese studies, you'll soon come across another reading:

あす

(see Table 1).

4.

Results: Importance of Keigo in communication

At first glance, mastering keigo might seem like an overwhelming task – just a

formality for the sake of politeness. Some younger Japanese speakers even share this
perspective.

However, many language and etiquette experts in Japan view keigo as more than

just a set of rules or refined grammar. They see it as a meaningful gesture, both towards
others and oneself. Keigo helps establish a respectful social distance, known as

距離

(kyori) in Japanese, while maintaining professionalism and courtesy. When keigo is used,
it fosters a sense of respect that naturally encourages others to reciprocate. This aligns
with the idea of treating people the way you wish to be treated. For many Japanese
people, particularly the older generation, keigo isn’t just a societal expectation – it’s a
reflection of their values and a way of interacting with integrity. With this perspective in
mind, studying keigo may feel less like a challenge and more like an enriching experience.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Although keigo may seem complex at first, with dedication and practice, you can

become proficient and leave a positive impression on colleagues and peers. For those
planning to live and work in Japan long-term, keigo is an essential tool for navigating
both professional and social interactions. Mastering keigo is an essential but challenging
aspect of learning Japanese, requiring not only grammatical understanding but also a
deep awareness of social hierarchy and cultural expectations. While native speakers are


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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика

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expected to use keigo correctly in formal settings, foreigners are often given leniency.
However, learning keigo remains highly beneficial for non-native speakers, as proper
usage demonstrates cultural awareness and professionalism, particularly in business
environments.

Keigo is more than just a linguistic feature; it embodies Japan’s deeply ingrained

cultural values and societal norms. Its mastery signifies an understanding of respect,
humility, and appropriate social behavior, which are crucial for effective communication
in Japanese society. Although challenging, keigo learning can be facilitated through
structured educational approaches and immersive experiences. As Japan continues to
globalize, keigo remains a fundamental aspect of the language that reflects the country’s
rich traditions and evolving social structures.

Here are recommendations to solve the issues:
1.

Integrate Keigo Early in Language Education:

Introducing keigo at the

beginner level through contextual examples can help learners internalize its forms more
naturally.

2.

Utilize Role-Playing and Simulated Scenarios:

Practical exercises such as

mock business interactions or formal speech competitions can enhance keigo acquisition.

3.

Encourage Cultural Exposure:

Engaging with Japanese media, interacting with

native speakers, and experiencing real-world communication settings can help learners
apply keigo authentically.

4.

Develop Comprehensive Learning Materials:

Textbooks and digital resources

should provide clear explanations and examples of keigo usage in various contexts.

5.

Foster Workplace Keigo Training:

Companies hiring non-native speakers

should offer structured keigo training to help employees adapt to Japanese corporate
culture.

Most importantly, even native Japanese speakers acknowledge the difficulty of

mastering keigo. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and people are unlikely to
judge you harshly for them. The key to truly understanding keigo is simple – using it in
communication.

REFERENCES

1.

Inoue, F. (2017). Keigo wa Kawaru. Taishukan Shoten.

2.

Carroll, T. (2005). Beyond keigo: smooth communication and the expression of

respect in Japanese as a Foreign Language. International Journal of the Sociology of
Language, 175 (176), 242. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijsl.2005.2005.175-176.233.

3.

Minayoshi, Y. (2014). Keigo acquisition among native and non-native speakers of

Japanese: Challenges and instructional strategies.

Journal of Japanese Linguistics

, 30(1),

15-38.

4.

Mizutani, O., & Mizutani, N. (1987). An introduction to Japanese honorifics. Japan

Times.

5.

Sugimoto, Y. (2010). An introduction to Japanese society. Cambridge University

Press.

6.

Kondo, S. (1990). Social hierarchy and linguistic politeness: A Japanese

perspective.

Discourse & Society

, 1(2), 211-240.

7.

Ishihara, N. (2011). Formal instruction of speech styles and pragmatic

awareness in L2 Japanese.

Journal of Pragmatics

, 43(1), 3693-3706.


background image

Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика

и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics

Special Issue – 3 (2025) / ISSN 2181-3701

88

8.

Ide, S. (1982). Japanese sociolinguistics: Politeness and women’s language.

Lingua

, 57(2-3), 357-385.

9.

Yasutaka Maruki, (August 2022) Keigo to use and to be used: Reevaluation of

keigo learning in Japanese language classes. Journal of Japanese Language Education and
Linguistics Volume 6 No. 2, 2022.

10.

https://cotoacademy.com/

11.

https://thetruejapan.com/

Библиографические ссылки

Inoue, F. (2017). Keigo wa Kawaru. Taishukan Shoten.

Carroll, T. (2005). Beyond keigo: smooth communication and the expression of respect in Japanese as a Foreign Language. International Journal of the Sociology of Language, 175 (176), 242. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijsl.2005.2005.175-176.233.

Minayoshi, Y. (2014). Keigo acquisition among native and non-native speakers of Japanese: Challenges and instructional strategies. Journal of Japanese Linguistics, 30(1), 15-38.

Mizutani, O., & Mizutani, N. (1987). An introduction to Japanese honorifics. Japan Times.

Sugimoto, Y. (2010). An introduction to Japanese society. Cambridge University Press.

Kondo, S. (1990). Social hierarchy and linguistic politeness: A Japanese perspective. Discourse & Society, 1(2), 211-240.

Ishihara, N. (2011). Formal instruction of speech styles and pragmatic awareness in L2 Japanese. Journal of Pragmatics, 43(1), 3693-3706.

Ide, S. (1982). Japanese sociolinguistics: Politeness and women’s language. Lingua, 57(2-3), 357-385.

Yasutaka Maruki, (August 2022) Keigo to use and to be used: Reevaluation of keigo learning in Japanese language classes. Journal of Japanese Language Education and Linguistics Volume 6 No. 2, 2022.