“Joshua's Japanese is so Good!” — How Looks Shape Language Perception
WITH JOSHUA THOMSON
Published May 7, 2024
This article is soon available in: Deutsch.
Joshua Thomson, known for his work as an actor and content creator, uses his platform to create humorous Japanese-language videos, offering amusing insights into his upbringing in Japan as an ethnically non-Asian individual, and provides entertaining glimpses into Japanese culture.
Joshua during a trip to Hirayu, Gifu prefecture in 2020.
Joshua and I set up a virtual meeting to delve into his childhood, family life, his thoughts, and particularly his connection to his first language, Japanese. Our conversation unfolds via video, with Joshua seated in his living room against a neutral backdrop, his words carefully chosen as he shares his experiences. We switch between Japanese and English. In this more relaxed setting, Joshua's demeanor is notably calm compared to his vibrant online persona, yet his warmth shines through his genuine laughter and the silly jokes we crack. We met last year through a shared interest and connected via social media.
Joshua's grandparents moved to Hokkaido, Japan from the UK in the 1950s and 1960s. Raised by parents who were also brought up in Japan, Joshua was immersed in the country's culture and language from an early age. While his mother experienced traditional Japanese schooling, his father's education was a blend of international school and homeschooling within Japan. Japanese was the predominant language at home, fostering a natural fluency for Joshua. Yet, the reactions Joshua receives when speaking Japanese vary.
JOSHUA: Since I started creating YouTube videos and Instagram reels, I've gained insight into how people perceive me. Initially, I assumed viewers would naturally conclude I grew up in Japan, even without explanations. But reality hit differently once I started sharing content online. In Tokyo, most people show little reaction when I speak Japanese. However, there are instances where I'm met with disbelief, like being asked if I need an English menu or if I can speak Japanese at all. Comments praising my proficiency, assuming I must have studied Japanese extensively, can be frustrating as they overlook the reality that people with backgrounds like mine do exist.
Growing up, I was surrounded by people who didn’t look typically Japanese but spoke the language perfectly; this was my norm. Yet, for those unfamiliar, it can be surprising. While I try to understand that their perspectives are shaped by their own experiences, it can be tiresome to constantly navigate these assumptions, even in everyday situations like ordering food.
Joshua in Kyoto. 2023.
Better Japanese Than a Japanese Person
It is fascinating how perceptions of language proficiency can vary based on cultural context. In Joshua's case, despite Japanese being his first language, viewers often fail to recognize this fact in the comments section of his Japanese-language videos. Instead, they commend his command of the language, expressing surprise and admiration at his fluency. This phenomenon reflects a broader societal stereotype prevalent in Japan, where ethnicity is often equated with language proficiency. In my home country of Germany, individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds commonly speak German as a first language. As someone accustomed to this environment, such an assumption strikes me as odd and unfamiliar.
JOSHUA: The differing reactions seem rooted in Japan's demographic homogeneity. Despite evidence of diversity, such as the Ainu people in Hokkaido and the Ryukyu Islands, there's a prevailing belief in a singular Japanese ethnicity, overlooking the country's complex historical migrations. This mono-ethnic perception contrasts with the reality of Japan's diverse makeup. Consequently, there are expectations about who can naturally speak Japanese, often excluding non-Asians. Growing up in Japan, immersed in its media and societal norms, I absorbed these perceptions firsthand. However, my encounters with individuals like myself, who defy these expectations, have expanded my understanding. If I hadn’t lived my particular set of experiences, I’d likely share the same surprise at non-ethnically Japanese people speaking native Japanese. This insight doesn't diminish the challenges faced, but it does offer clarity on the origins of these reactions.
Joshua and his childhood friend in Japan. “Looking back at photos of when I was a little boy and remembering what sort of person I was. It’s sometimes important to remind yourself where you’re from, what you’ve been through and who you’re made of,” he says on his Instagram post.
With a society as ethnically homogenous as Japan's, it is understandable that people are surprised by Joshua. The perception of “Japanese” identity is a very complex topic in Japan. The distinction between who is a foreigner and who is Japanese is strict and almost black and white. Even ethnically mixed individuals or people like Joshua—who have lived in Japan for several generations—are generally not considered Japanese.
You’d think that one would at least realize he’s a native Japanese speaker once you hear him speaking, though, wouldn't you? Why do people assume he has studied Japanese to a high level? This possibly stems from a phenomenon called "Reverse Linguistic Stereotyping".
Reverse Linguistic Stereotyping
The term "Linguistic Stereotyping" refers to the tendency to stereotype and have prejudices about others based on the way they speak. As listeners, we judge speakers’ pronunciation and we often use this information to make important decisions. For example, in a courtroom, jurors might judge a witness based on how smoothly they speak or how strong their accent is. A radio presenter with a Chinese-sounding accent could become the target of negative prejudice and stereotypes against Chinese people, despite the listener not knowing whether or not the speaker is Chinese.
"Reverse Linguistic Stereotyping", flips the idea on its head. Instead of the speaker's accent triggering stereotypes, the accent becomes the target of stereotyping itself.
This means assumptions about a speaker's ethnicity or identity can lead to a distorted perception of their accent or proficiency. Listeners rely on their expectations and experiences to make sense of what they hear, often filling in gaps based on what they expect to hear. Research has consistently found that when listeners are convinced they're hearing a second-language speaker of English, despite the person being a first-language speaker of English with a mainstream accent, they tend to perceive the speech with a heavy foreign accent. Such listeners even have problems understanding the speaker purely based on their expectations.
The linguists Okim Kang and Donald Rubin conducted a comprehensive study exploring this idea in 2009. The study consisted of 158 individuals deliberately selected to represent diverse backgrounds. Participants were presented with audio recordings simulating a portion of a college lecture about galaxies, delivered by a male speaker of standard American English. The speaker's identity was manipulated through fake photographs and dossiers to represent either a non-native East-Asian international teaching assistant or a native Euro-American teaching assistant.
Possible photo of a non-native East-Asian international teaching assistant, displayed to participants as they listen to an audio recording of an expert male speaker of standard American English. (Photo by Yan Krukau)
Possible photo of a native Euro-American teaching assistant, displayed to participants as they listen to an audio recording of an expert male speaker of standard American English. (Photo by Vanessa Garcia)
The results were intriguing. Participants experienced significant impacts on their listening comprehension of the "non-native East-Asian" guise, while responses to the "native Euro-American” guise did not yield significant effects. Listeners tended to rate the East-Asian guise as particularly accented, despite it being spoken by an expert first-language speaker.
In Joshua's case, his Western looks cause viewers of his videos to expect a much lower proficiency in Japanese. Commenters may even hear a foreign accent when Joshua speaks Japanese, simply because of his appearance.
JOSHUA: Yeah, that happens. Sometimes people don't seem to understand me and pause mid-conversation, looking puzzled, as if they thought I spoke English. I might have to repeat myself or clarify, but that's less frequent. Mostly, they catch on quickly and respond with an understanding "Oh, okay," or even compliment my Japanese skills. I've received so many comments on my proficiency that my reactions vary each time. Sometimes I'll respond with a polite, "Thank you very much," or a playful, "Oh really?" even throwing in a bit of irony or just brushing it off with a simple, "Yeah."
In situations where I want to avoid prolonged conversations or confusion—like when I'm ordering coffee—I sometimes intentionally "foreignize" my Japanese, toning it down to fit their expectations. It's a bit sad to feel the need to water down my language skills, but it simplifies interactions and helps avoid unnecessary explanations. So, yeah, I do find myself trying to sound more foreign at times.
From First Language to Competition
According to Joshua, his ability to speak Japanese fluently often makes him feel like a star in Japan. There's a perception that he exceeds expectations simply by being proficient in what is his first language. This results in him quickly becoming the center of attention in many situations, whether he wants to or not. He described it to me as a double-edged sword; while it's flattering to stand out and impress people effortlessly, it's not always his intention.
JOSHUA: This dynamic becomes particularly interesting around enthusiasts of Japanese culture or language learners who have dedicated significant effort to mastering Japanese. When I enter a room and naturally engage in conversation, I inadvertently draw more attention than those who have worked hard to learn the language. This has led to some awkward situations where others might feel overshadowed or as though there's some sort of competition in Japanese proficiency.
Joshua in Iriomote, Okinawa prefecture in 2023. “Revisiting where I used to live when I was 21 really reminded me how far I’ve come and how I’ve progressed as a person,” he says in his Instagram post.
From my perspective, the efforts of those who study Japanese are far more commendable than my own situation of speaking my native tongue.
I genuinely admire their dedication and hard work. However, this admiration can sometimes be misconstrued as mockery, especially before it becomes clear that I'm from Japan.
Some individuals express a desire to be seen as a native speaker, perhaps envying the attention I receive. I often respond to this by questioning if that's truly something they'd want, considering all the complexities involved. It's important to reflect on the challenges and not just the perceived benefits. So, in these interactions, there's a lot of learning and reflection, not just about language, but about identity and the values we attach to linguistic ability.
Language and Identity
JOSHUA: My journey with Japanese has been a deep aspect of my identity. From a young age, I was captivated by kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese), to the extent that I attempted to invent my own characters and integrate kanji into my name.
I was envious of the other kids whose names were written in kanji. My fascination for the characters was, in a way, a deep-seated desire to fully belong.
Reflecting on my life, I've realized that the vast majority of my time, about 80%, has been spent speaking Japanese. It's interesting because you come across individuals who struggle to identify their native language. For me, however, Japanese clearly holds that title.
But then there's English. Due to spending my early years in the States, and attending a school there, English is more than a second language to me. I often refer to it as my "1.5 language." It's not quite my second language, but it doesn't occupy the same space as Japanese does. This intermediate position means I sometimes find myself at a loss for words, unable to recall specific terms when I need them. People notice this gap, and it's apparent in conversations where I might struggle to mention everyday items or more complex concepts that I could easily express in Japanese.
Before It's Too Late
It’s important to consider what changes are necessary to tackle biases and make progress in Japan (or anywhere in the world). This involves looking at how society works and what is taught in schools. Studying whether Japan is already getting better at this would also be worthwhile. Are there new rules or ways of thinking that show positive change? Researching both the problems and the progress will allow us to understand how Japan is dealing with biases and working towards decreasing them.
JOSHUA: It's definitely improving, but it's not progressing as quickly as I would like. However, I do understand the historical context that has led people to associate certain languages with certain faces. Traditionally, people expected English to be spoken by those who look "English" and Italian by those who appear "Italian." This mindset was practical and remained largely unchallenged for centuries. Yet, the world is evolving, albeit slowly.
I firmly believe we should move away from tying a language to a specific ethnicity or face. Anyone can learn Japanese and anyone can be a native speaker; it's not exclusive to those of Japanese descent. The same goes for any language—knowledge of Korean, Chinese, or any other language isn't limited to those with familial roots in those cultures.
It's true that historically, there have been more Asians moving to the West than non-Asians migrating to Asia. This movement has shaped perceptions and interactions in significant ways. But as the global landscape changes, I hope for a future where people's understanding and acceptance of linguistic and cultural diversity broadens.
Language learning and usage should be celebrated as a bridge between cultures, not as a barrier. It would be a significant step forward if more people recognize that language proficiency isn't bound by ethnicity or nationality.
Edited by
Alice Pol, Anthony Burger, Anna Sulaiman & Perla Camacho-Cedillo
Cite This Article
Nauendorff, Marvin. 2024. “Joshua's Japanese is so Good! How Looks Shape Language Perception.” Linguaphile Magazine, May 5. https://www.linguaphilemagazine.org/editorial/joshuas-japanese-is-so-good.
FURTHER READING
Joshua’s Japanese YouTube Channel
Joshua’s English YouTube Channel
More on Reverse Linguistic Stereotyping: Talk by Dr. Valeria Bogorevich on TEDx
RECENT ARTICLES
Bibliography
Deutschmann, Mats, and Anders Steinvall. 2020. "Combatting Linguistic Stereotyping and Prejudice by Evoking Stereotypes." Open Linguistics 6 (1): 651-671.
https://doi.org/10.1515/opli-2020-0036.Joshua Japan ジョシュア (@jj.jj.7). 2023. "日本語よりも英語褒めて？#日本育ち Don’t compliment my Japanese, compliment my English 😂😂 #japan #japanese #uk #tck #english." Instagram video, December 16. Accessed May 3, 2024.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C061tlRMzEW/.Kang, Okim, and Donald Rubin. 2009. "Reverse Linguistic Stereotyping: Measuring the Effect of Listener Expectations on Speech Evaluation." Journal of Language and Social Psychology 28: 441-456.
https://www.doi.org/10.1177/0261927X09341950.
