Cross-speaker repetition in Japanese conversation: a situation and function-based comparison of L1 and L2 speakers

Abstract

This study examines cross-speaker repetition used by L1 and L2 Japanese speakers in online task-based conversations in L1-only, L2-only, and L1-L2 situations. The comparison between L1 and L2 speakers highlights the text-level functional prominence of L1 Japanese repetition, which encompasses both backward-looking functions related to clarification and forward-looking functions that guide the topic of conversation. In contrast, the repetition utilized by L2 speakers is limited to the backward-looking functions. Furthermore, the situation-based analysis reveals an increased use of L2 repetition in L2-only interactions, which correlates with the L2 speakers’ heightened collaborative attitude in engaging with the conversations. It is argued that this social and interactional function of repetition, observed in L2 speakers’ adjustment to the L2-only situation, is a fundamental characteristic of cross-speaker repetition and is not unique to L1 Japanese, contrary to some previous claims.