Pedagogical Effects of Accepting 'Innovations' in Japanese English

本研究的目的是1)识别日本英语中的“英语创新用法”（作为一种扩展圈变体），2)从语言和文化的角度分析它们，以及3)看看对日本英语“创新”的积极态度是否有助于日本学习者提高英语沟通技巧。我们统计分析了亚洲学习者作文中使用的词类，发现日本英语学习者倾向于过度使用一些“情态相关的表达”，如“我认为”或“可能是”。我们还注意到，在日语水平较高的英语使用者和中低水平的英语学习者之间，对日语英语创新的态度存在差异。

The aims of the present study are 1) to identify 'innovative uses of English' in Japanese English (as an Expanding-Circle variety),2) to analyze them from linguistic and cultural points of view, and 3) to see if positive attitudes toward 'innovations' in Japanese English help Japanese learners to improve their English communication skills.We statistically analyzed word clusters used in essays by Asian learners and found that Japanese learners of English have tendencies to overuse some 'modality-related expressions' such as 'I think that' or 'may be.' We have also noticed attitudinal difference toward innovations in Japanese English between higher level Japanese users of English and middle or lower level learners of English.