Ideologies of Communication in Japan: Speakers, Interaction and the Creation of Difference

This book presents case studies of ideologies of communication in Japan which respond to recent epistemological and methodological developments in the field and reflect the subject-wide shift from ideologies of language to ideologies of communication. Chapters explore a wide range of language contexts, from formal language learning settings to video games, smartphones and language use in couples and by immigrants. The authors use an array of innovative methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives, including language portraits, soundscapes and social space. The book also contains chapters that present positive perspectives on ideologies, examining how they can be created and mobilized to inspire specific groups to pursue their interests. Together the chapters give a complex and inclusive picture of language in Japan and the current breadth of the field of ideologies of communication.