How repetition operates in Japanese and English: Introducing different
cultural orientations towards conversation
Saeko MACHI(Kamakura Women’s University, Kawamura Gakuen Women’s University, Kyorin University)

When we look at conversation, there are many linguistic and non-linguistic devices
that, although they are given the same term or categorized as the same speech act, seem towork differently depending on the language. For example, we can probably find in mostlanguages in the world devices called “repetition,” “backchannel,” and “nod,” but are theirfunctions the same or somewhat similar, or rather very different according to the language? Ifthey are different, can we assume that conversation per se is carried out under the same styleand orientation cross-linguistically?
In order to explore such questions, this study makes a comparative examination of
one minor linguistic device, the practice of repeating what others say in Japanese and English
conversation. The study analyzes the conversation data of 13 Japanese pairs and 11 American
pairs. Each pair was given approximately 5 minutes to talk in turn about the pre-selected topic,“What were you most surprised at?” The analysis is carried out through the following threestages: (1) the frequency of repetition, (2) the object of repetition, and (3) the function ofrepetition.
In terms of the frequency of repetition, a great difference was obtained between
Japanese and English. There are 4.08 repetitions per minute in Japanese conversation while in
English there are only 1.43 repetitions during the same period, which means that repetition
occurs about three times more frequently in Japanese than English.
For the analysis of the object of repetition, all the repetitions in the data wereclassified according to what kinds of words, phrases, and sentences comprise the object ofrepetition, namely (i) objective facts, (ii) names of people, places, and times, (iii) topics, andthe initiator’s (iv) experiences, (v) assessments, and (vi) feelings. The obtained results showthat in Japanese, where the initiator’s assessments and feelings are most frequently repeated,the main object of repetition is the initiator’s subjective expressions such as “how she feels”
and “what she thinks.” On the other hand, in English, where they frequently repeat objective
facts and names of people, places, and times, propositional information such as“who-does-what-to-whom where-and-when” is the main object of repetition.
For the analysis of the repetition function, the data was also classified into eightcategories according to the repeater’s motive for repeating the initiator’s utterance. The
categories are (a) agreement, (b) sympathy, (c) adoption, (d) questioning, (e) answering, (f)confirmation, (g) filling of space, and (h) enjoyment. The results show that in both languages,
the repeaters frequently adopt words and phrases through repetition in order to better relate tothe topic and maintain coherence within the talk. On the other hand, there is also a profounddifference. In Japanese, repetition mainly performs sympathizing and agreeing functions inorder to reach like-mindedness and create a sense of unity between the participants. In
English, in contrast, repetition functions as questioning, answering, and confirmation so thatthe participants can accurately elicit and understand each other’s story and information.
By showing how differently repetition appears and works in the two languages, thisstudy offers a further insight into the way a simple linguistic device like repetition operates in
one language mirrors its speakers’ cultural orientation towards conversation. Since
conversation is an accumulation of all sorts of linguistic devices, their mechanisms are
influential in the orientation of conversation as well as in the conversation structure. The
study also reinforces the necessity of further research of more mechanisms and the social
values of other linguistic devices in cross-linguistic data, which will surely give us ideas
about how the speakers of the language regard conversation and what they wish to achievethrough conversation.