A Contrastive Study of Functionally Equivalent, but Semantically Different Sign Expressions in Japanese and German: An Analysis of Preferred Expression Styles

Abstract

This study focuses on functionally equivalent, but semantically different sign expressions in Japanese and German, such as o-nori-no-sai-wa tesuri-ni o-tsukamari-kudasai [Literally, “when steping on, please grip handrail”], kiiroi-sen-no uchigawa-ni o-tachi-kudasai [please stand inside yellow line], oriru sai-wa o-oashimoto-ni go-chūi-kudasai [“when getting off, please pay attention to under foot”], and o-ko-sama tsure-no kata-wa o-ko-sama-no te-o totte o-nori-kudasai [“person with child is asked to ride on taking child’s hand”] in Japanese versus its German counterpart Benutzung auf eigene Gefahr [“using at your own risk”], which are posted near escalators. This example tells us that the Japanese sign consists of four concrete sentences whereas the German one presents a simple and abstract sentence. Such correspondents cannot be adequately explained from only construal and politeness perspectives. In this study, such corresponding expressions in Japanese and German will be contrasted to find out what information is relevant to each society. The results will reveal what communicative behaviors are expected in corresponding situations between Japan and Germany, which can contribute to efficient intercultural communication.

Keywords

Sign expression / functional equivalence / preferred style / Japanese / German

References

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