NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute Language Research

Overview

This report presents survey and research achievements in the language research field conducted by NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute. Published on August 1, 2025, this research report summarizes the achievements of linguistic and sociolinguistic research by the Language Research Department at NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute. Systematic research is developed from diverse aspects related to broadcasting and language, including changes in broadcast language, trends in contemporary Japanese, relationships between dialects and standard language, acceptance of loanwords, and the actual state of honorific language use. ## Social Significance of Broadcast Language Research Broadcasting media has played an extremely important role in the standardization and dissemination of contemporary Japanese. This research analyzes the influence that broadcasting has had on Japanese phonology, vocabulary, grammar, and expression styles from both diachronic and synchronic perspectives, elucidating the mechanisms of language change. Particularly, detailed tracking of broadcast language changes from the post-war reconstruction period to the present clarifies the correlation between social change and language change. Additionally, empirical analysis is conducted on the impact of broadcaster pronunciation, accent, and intonation on the nation, characteristics and changes in news language, and diversification of spoken language in variety programs, covering actual language use by genre. ## Contemporary Japanese Trend Surveys The regularly conducted "Language Fluctuation Survey" investigates the actual state of fluctuations and changes in contemporary Japanese notation, pronunciation, and usage on a national scale. Statistical analysis is performed on differences in language use between young and older generations, regional differences in language consciousness, and the establishment process of new words and trendy words, providing prospects for the present and future of Japanese. Particularly, continuous surveys and analyses are conducted on contemporary issues such as the impact of digital media proliferation on Japanese use, the emergence of new expression forms on SNS and other platforms, and the increase in vocabulary of foreign origin. ## Interrelationship Between Dialects and Standard Language National dialect status surveys provide detailed understanding of the actual state of standardization progress and dialect maintenance and transformation. Multi-faceted research is conducted particularly on the role that broadcasting media has played in dialect decline and standard language dissemination, revaluation of dialects as regional identity, and efforts to utilize dialects for regional revitalization. Additionally, considerations are deepened on the importance of dialect use during disasters, the role of dialects in elderly care, and the possibilities for dialect utilization in tourism and cultural promotion, examining the new significance of dialects in contemporary society. ## Changes in Honorific Language and Language Manners Actual honorific language use surveys analyze changes in honorific language use patterns by situation (workplace, school, home), differences in honorific language consciousness between generations, and simplification trends in honorific language use accompanying internationalization. Particularly detailed examination is conducted on the influence that honorific language use in broadcasting has on society's overall honorific language norms. The article concludes that language research is not merely a matter of linguistic interest, but serves as an important research field related to the social responsibility of broadcasting media and the inheritance and development of Japanese language culture.