A Study of Diversity in Japan’s Linguistic Environment: Focusing on the Langscape in the Kanto Region

Abstract

This paper focuses on the current multilingual linguistic environment in the Kanto region in Japan. Linguistic data of 470 multilingual and non-Japanese signs were collected from several places. As pointed out in previous studies, English is the most prominently used foreign language and the most common combination pattern of languages is that of Japanese and English. Following English, Korean and Chinese are found to be most frequently used foreign languages. In addition to a quantitative analysis, a close look at the quality of the use of English was taken. Its frequent appearance and its unique usage were discussed in consideration of the internationalization of Japanese society and the conceptualization of English as an International Language.