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Writing Systems, Reading Processes, and Cross-Linguistic Influences: Reflections from the Chinese, Japanese and Korean Languages
Edited by Hye K. Pae
[Bilingual Processing and Acquisition 7] 2018
► pp. 313–332

Chapter 15
Sociocultural implications of the Japanese multi-scripts

Translanguaging in translation

This chapter analyzes the development of the Japanese writing system and the use of multiple types of scripts in translated texts in Japanese based on translanguaging. The sociolinguistic concept of translanguaging refers to the strategic use of linguistic repertoires across language boundaries by bilingual language users. In the case of translations of texts into Japanese, various scripts provide numerous communicative and expressive functions which allow users to adapt new concepts, creatively represent ideas, and critically convey their viewpoints. These abilities are often afforded by unconventional use of furigana, or small-sized kana that indicate the proper pronunciation of kanji characters. This study argues that translanguaging occurs not only in oral communications, but also through scripts, and is essential for languages to evolve by incorporating the surrounding sociocultural contexts.
Keywords: script, translanguaging, translation studies, sociolinguistics, pragmatics
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Literature review
  • The development of the Japanese writing system
    • Kanbun-kundoku and kun’yomi
    • Chinese-Japanese hybrid writing
    • Kana-only writing
    • Kanji-kana mixed writing
  • Creative and critical literacy practices
    • Kokuji, ateji and jukujikun
    • Sino-Japanese coinage of Western concepts
    • Choice of scripts
    • Furigana
  • Analyses of furigana in translated texts
    • Romeo and Juliet
    • Creating neo-loanwords
    • Rhetorical effect
    • Refining meanings
    • Providing pragmatic information
    • Breakfast at Tiffany’s
    • Creating neo-loanwords
    • Refining meanings
    • Expressing the third language in translation
  • Conclusions
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 10 July 2018
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/bpa.7.15sat
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