Programme: accepted abstracts

Abstract ID: 225

Part of Session 114: Linguistic Identity Constructions in the Japanese Workplace (Other abstracts in this session)

Subordinates’ construction of institutional identities in the Japanese workplace

Authors: Saito, Junko
Submitted by: Saito, Junko (Temple University Japan, Japan)

This study qualitatively examines how individuals in subordinate positions in a Japanese workplace construct multiple institutional identities in superior-subordinate interactions in the workplace.

Much previous research on workplace talk (e.g., Holmes 2006; Takano 2005; Vine 2004) has extensively explored linguistic practices of individuals in leadership positions and how such individuals construct multiple social identities in workplace interactions. In contrast, very little research has focused on the discursive practices of subordinates in a workplace hierarchy. Studies on identity construction in workplace settings are no exception. In the social constructionist approach, social identity is not given a prior but is dynamic and variable. Nevertheless, we still do not understand the ways in which subordinates in a workplace hierarchy linguistically construct their social identities in ongoing interactions.

This study empirically investigates how individuals in subordinate positions construct multiple institutional identities through their strategic manipulation of linguistic resources in superior-subordinate interactions. The data analyzed in this study are derived from naturally occurring interactions audio-recorded at a small corporation in Japan. The research questions that this study addresses are (1) What kind of social identities do individuals in subordinate positions construct when interacting with their superiors? (2) In what kind of situations are different social identities put forward? and (3) What linguistic resources and strategies are utilized to index different social identities?

The analysis demonstrates that when individuals in subordinate positions respond to their superiors by giving reactive tokens, they have a tendency to project an identity as a buka (a subordinate). However, when making suggestions to, giving explanations to, or contesting their superiors, they have a tendency to project different institutional identities. In the latter case, subordinates are likely to use linguistic resources that mark epistemic stance. The analysis also shows that individuals in subordinate positions draw on a variety of strategies so as to obscure the social relationships between superiors and themselves, as well as to avoid performing the role of buka. The findings hence indicate that by strategically manipulating their linguistic resources, individuals in subordinate positions display different facets of institutional identities on a moment-by-moment basis in a given context.

In addition, this study contributes to the examination of power relations. As some scholars (e.g., Holmes and Stubbe 2003; Thomas 1995) point out, social status is not the sole factor that determines power and authority. Subordinates can exert power over their superiors. This study also illustrates how power is socially constructed and dynamically manifested on an ongoing basis.

Holmes, J. (2006). Gendered Talk at Work: Constructing Gender Identity through Workplace Discourse. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Holmes, J., & M. Stubbe (2003). Power and Politeness in the Workplace: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Talk at Work. London: Longman.

Takano, S. (2005). Re-examining linguistic power: Strategic uses of directives by professional Japanese women in positions of authority and leadership. Journal of Pragmatics 37: 633−666.

Thomas, J. (1995.) Meaning in Interaction: An Introduction to Pragmatics. London/New York: Longman.

Vine, B. (2004.) Getting Things Done at Work: The Discourse of Power in Workplace Interaction. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Sociolinguistics Symposium 19

Programme: accepted abstracts

Subordinates’ construction of institutional identities in the Japanese workplace